The Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAC) is involved in preparation for some kind of aerial display involving the low-rate initial production (LRIP) J-20A. This included what was essentially a semiofficial ‘presentation’ of the J-20A with a flurry of news reports and images issued between September 30 and October 1. Four pre-production aircraft — two of them apparently in the new ‘tactical’ light gray with low-visibility markings as well as two more in yellow primer — performed a display over the factory at Chengdu on that occasion.
Seven pre-production aircraft have already been built and the first two examples have reportedly been delivered to a flight test center at either Cangzhou, or more likely, Dingxin air base.
The first front-line regiment is supposed to activate and receive aircraft by June 2017 and the J-20 is expected to be combat ready by 2018 or 2019. That milestone could be pushed forward, given the budget priority. The final requirement could be between 500 to 700.
SOURCES- Combat Aircraft, Defense Update
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