- The Washington Times - Friday, February 21, 2014

The third prototype for China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter jet appears to be prepared to take its maiden flight at any time.

Images coming out of China of the aircraft performing taxi tests at Chengdu airfield suggest that the J-20 could be given the go-ahead at any point for liftoff, The Aviationist reported. The military website noted that the aircraft raised its nose and deployed its drag shoot, steps that usually come before takeoff.

The new prototype has a revised nose section similar to the American F-35 and a metal exterior that may be indicative of “radar absorbing Haze Paint” used on F-16s, The Aviationist reported.

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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