According to the most recent publication, China already has more than 200 fifth-generation J-20 fighters in service. This is clear from a recent report by the specialized website Defense Newswhere new data of each of the observed production batches on various fighters at the festival has been released China Air Show 2022. Estimates are also given on the availability of another fighter aircraft in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), more specifically the J-16.

Take as framework 2022 China Air Show, currently held in Zhuhai city, various specialists have provided estimates of the number of J-16 and J-20 fighters in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). They arise from the production lot numbers observed on the exhibited aircraft.

Therefore, in consultation with Defense News, specialist Andreas Rupprecht mentioned that to date there have been four production batches of the J-20 fifth generation fighter; while for J-16, 11 people have been detected., each. With this exception, specialists pointed out that in the two J-20s observed during the festival, the following numbers could be seen on their fuselage: “CB0369” and “CB0370”.

In this sense, the first aircraft had the following number “CB00” indicating that it corresponded to the first production batch. Where the last two digits will indicate the game number generated up to that point in the respective lot. The J-20 aircraft have the numbers “69” and “70” respectively.

Continuing his analysis, Rupprecht recorded his estimate talk too muchbased on their previous investigation, indicated that the previous production batch had been structured as follows:

• CB00: 18 fuselage
• CB01:46 airframe
• CB02: 56 fuselage
• CB03:70 airframe
• Low production batch: 18 airframes

With these numbers listed, The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will have approximately 208 fifth-generation J-20 fighters in service; adding all production batches mentioned before. Counting fighters from the last batch (CB03) with the new WS-10C engine and new features in their nozzles.

From various specialists, based on what is observed in China Air Show 2022, the rapid progress of the People’s Republic of China in the aerospace field. Thus, continuing to reduce the technological gap with the United States. That’s according to Justin Bronk, senior researcher for energy and air technology at the think tank Royal United Service Institute based in the UK.

Finally, the Defense News site report mentions another PLAAF fighter. In this regard, the estimated number of J-16 fighters in service is indicated. Based on the photographs observed at the festival, the aircraft on display had the number “1105” in the fighter-bomber air intakes. The figure indicates that this aircraft belongs to production batch “11”, which is the fifth aircraft built.

Continuing, Bronk’s analysis stated that Shenyang Aircraft Corp. has a much more direct cataloging and control system for its production batches. Each of which consists of 24 fuselage. In this way, summing up the observed J-16, shows that to date the Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army has 245 combat aircraft on duty. Reported that the fighters observed at the festival belonged to the 172nd Air Brigade.

*Original report writer Mike Yeo for Defense News.

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