A new PLA Air Force J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter in 72nd from Bronco
PLA Air Force J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter
From Bronco Models
Kit No #GB7010
1/72nd scale
PLA Air Force J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter: J-20 Mighty Dragon
In 2017 the Chinese J-20 became the third "Stealth Fighter" to enter service, after the American F-22 (2005) and F-35 (2015). Currently, 20 aircraft of the first production batch are undergoing combat training and evaluation with the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force, 9th Air Brigade at the Wuhu Air Base at Anhui. The PLAAF claim that the aircraft is an air superiority fighter with precision strike capability, however, it is a very large aircraft similar in size to the Russian Su-24M bomber, The J-20 or Mighty Dragon, is manufactured by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation and made its first flight in January 2011.
Little information has been released on the aircraft's capabilities, but it is estimated that the speed will be around Mach 2 or 2,230 km/h, and a range of 6,000 Kilometers with the current WS-10B engines of 33,000 lbs thrust with reheat. The J-20 has 6 x internal weapons bays for both long and short-range AAM's, while other weapons and fuel tank can be carried on 4 x external hardpoints on the wings. Its possible use is as a long-range missile launching platform using
it's stealth capability to avoid enemy defences.
The J-20 is scheduled to have up-rated Shenyang WS-15 engines of greater thrust of up to 40,000 lbs with reheat in the near future. The empty weight of the aircraft is given as 19 tons and a maximum loaded weight of 37 tons. Weapons will include PL-10 short rang AAM, PL -12 medium-range AAM and PL-15 or PL-21 long-range AAM's, it is expected to carry two of each type internally. It can also carry the LS-6 precision-guided bomb for ground attack.
So far 8 prototypes and 20 production aircraft are flying. In August 2019 the PLAAF announced that the J-20 would become China's primary fighter, beating the rival FC-31. However, its large size may prove difficult for operations on the new Shandong Class Aircraft Carrier, one of its intended roles.
This new kit from Bronco Models
This new kit has a few figures pointed out in CAD drawings we received today, they are:
CAD drawings of the model from many angles and curves of this still very new and secretive fighter.
Attention has been paid to the campy and the exhaust nozzles in particular...
Three versions of the latest schemes for the "Mighty Dragon" are included in this boxing - three are shown on the box, but there are individual markings for five aircraft in there?
The decal sheet includes an instrument panel, national markings and stencils - The markings of five aircraft are of course included...
This kit is said to be out in the next few months. You can see more about Bronco's kits on their website.
