China Possesses Two Potentially Combat-Capable Stealth Jets

This past weekend photos were leaked online of Beijing's second stealth aircraft. According to a wired.com news report, the Shenyang company has revealed what appears to be a competing, radar-evading plane.

Nearly two years ago China unveiled its first J-20 prototype jet fighter. The newly assembled J-21 closely resembles the former model and both exterior shapes appear similar to the U.S. F-22 Raptor.

Reports state the uncertainty that it will actually make it beyond development, testing or full-production phase.

As seen with our own F-22, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Boeing Defense, Space & Security, it did not first take flight in 1997, some 14 years later after development, contract negotiation and redesigns. Given the high cost of production, upwards of $70 billion, it finally entered service.

Since 2010 the F-22 has been plagued by unresolved problems with its pilot oxygen systems which contributed to one crash and death of a pilot. The fleet was grounded for four months in 2011.

Click to view a photo of the Shenyang J-21 photo from China's Defense Blog.