Dragon 1/144 J-20 Stealth Fighter, previewed by Scott Van Aken

KIT #:	4625
PRICE:	$12.00 SRP
DECALS:	One option
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	New tool kit

The Chengdu J-20 (Jian-20; simplified Chinese: 歼-二十; traditional Chinese: 殲-二十; pinyin: Jiān èr shí; literally "Annihilator-Twenty") is a fifth generation stealth, twin-engine fighter aircraft prototype developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. In late 2010, the J-20 underwent high speed taxiing tests. The J-20 made its first flight on 11 January 2011. General He Weirong, Deputy Commander of the People's Liberation Army Air Force said in November 2009 that he expected the J-20 to be operational in 2017–2019.

There is a ton more information at the reference link.

THE KIT

The kit comes on four sprues of which one is for the canopy. One other has the full upper fuselage half that includes the complete wings. A third holds the nose section as well as the lower fuselage. Test fitting the upper and lower fuselage shows a very good fit. The overall molding of the parts is really quite well done and appropriate for this scale.

Typical of this scale, there isn't much of a cockpit, just a tub in which a generic looking seat is placed. The only other real detail is in the nicely done landing gear. No weapons are provided and the weapons bay is molded closed.

Instructions are on the back of the box and no nose weight is indicated. Painting information is on the side panel. It shows an overall matte black aircraft with off white wheel wells and struts. One assumes the inside of the gear doors are this same shade. Though two planes have been built as far as we know, there are markings for just the first prototype. The small decal sheet provides these markings. While I doubt if this will be exported any time soon, it would make for an excellent whiffer in something like Pakistan AF markings.

If you are either a 1/144 modern aircraft fan or just like prototypes, then this one is for you. The model will not be small as the upper fuselage measures to a bit over 6 inches in length, making pretty close to the size of the SR-71.

Thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours today at your local retailer.

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