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**22CreessGah** · 07-01-2011, 11:05 PM

While it is interesting that they have a stealth fighter, remember that the United States has had an operational model for pushing 30 years. And if you read the technical press on it (which for some insane reason, I found myself doing yesterday, thanks to links through the NY Times story) you'll find two things. First, it will be at least 2017 before they have a production-ready, operational model. And second, the rear section of the plane is not even remotely stealthy, meaning that anyone with radar observing it from behind or on the rear quarter will be able to see it plain as day. Analysts are split as to whether this is because the aircraft is a prototype or because the Chinese are not particularly worried about the rear-facing radar profile for some reason.

07-01-2011, 11:05 PM	#9
22CreessGah Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 447 Senior Member	While it is interesting that they have a stealth fighter, remember that the United States has had an operational model for pushing 30 years. And if you read the technical press on it (which for some insane reason, I found myself doing yesterday, thanks to links through the NY Times story) you'll find two things. First, it will be at least 2017 before they have a production-ready, operational model. And second, the rear section of the plane is not even remotely stealthy, meaning that anyone with radar observing it from behind or on the rear quarter will be able to see it plain as day. Analysts are split as to whether this is because the aircraft is a prototype or because the Chinese are not particularly worried about the rear-facing radar profile for some reason.
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