China’s Mighty Dragon Grows Teeth

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J20 preparing to a flight test carrying a dummy missile in its starboard weapon bay.
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Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ seen on a test flight March 13, 2013 carrying a dummy missile.

Recent photos of the second ‘Technology Demonstrator” Fifth Generation Chengdu J20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ stealth fighter depict a recent flight testing what seems to be an R-77 missile dummy carried on the starboard (right side) weapons bay.

An open canopy of the first J20 prototypes shows some details of the HUD.
An open canopy of the first J20 prototypes shows some details of the HUD.

From the photos published on several Chinese websites it isn’t clear whether the aircraft flew the entire flight with an open bay, as all photos, including the one showing the J-20 in flight show the missile in the extracted position.

The J-20 uses two side-mounted weapon bays carrying four missiles, in addition to a large belly weapon bay carrying additional, larger air/air missiles. It is assumed the J-20 will also be able to carry the PL-10, PL-12 and PL-21 air/air missiles.

Chinese Military Review

J20 preparing to a flight test carrying a dummy missile in its starboard weapon bay.
J20 preparing to a flight test carrying a dummy missile in its starboard weapon bay.