The Shenyang J-XX is an unofficial, rumored project in China to develop a fifth-generation fighter to compete with those being developed in the US and Russia. The only tangible evidence that such an aircraft exists or is even in development is a grainy photo of a wind tunnel model and some artists conceptions (seen here). Jane’s Defence Weekly reported that such an aircraft would have a stealthy design featuring internal weapons bays and thrust vectoring. The airframe appears to use a combination of angle alignment like on the Raptor and facets like on the F-117. The J-XX would probably use Russian avionics given the history between the two nations. It is possible that the stealthy J-XX is part of a Chinese airforce overhaul. Three different new designs have been leaked, and it appears that each of the designs represents a different project. China is openly developing the 4th generation JH-7, J-11 (export model SU-27), and JF-17. They are also procuring 4.5 generation fighters like the J-10 and J-11B. The rumored J-12 and J-13 appear to be 4.5 generation aircraft and the J-XX would officially be designated J-14 and be the Chinese Air Force’s equivalent of our F-22.
