stated that Chinese 5th generation fighter jets will be expected around 2018. In 2011, Gates changed his position to state that China may have 50 stealth fighters by 2020 and a couple of hundred by 2025. Design The general design concept of the J-XX is that of a fifth-generation fighter which incorporates stealth, supercruise, super-maneuverability and short take-off capabilities, abbreviated "4S". One or more of the proposed designs are believed to incorporate several design features for increasing stealth and maneuverability while decreasing weight and drag. The Chinese state television broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) asserts: A V-shaped pelikan tail could be implemented, replacing conventional vertical tail fins and horizontal stabiliser structures. This would be beneficial for reduction of radar signature, weight and aerodynamic drag, since control surface area and corresponding control mechanisms are reduced. Problems faced by this type of design are flight control system complexity and control surface loading. If the pelikan tail is adopted, use of engines with thrust vector control may alleviate these problems. [...] The new fighter may have a significantly longer fuselage than other fifth generation fighter designs, such as the F-22, for reduction of transonic and supersonic drag. A trapezoidal wing may be implemented for reduction of drag and radar signature. Use of an 's'-shaped air inlet and boundary layer separation system would greatly reduce radar signature. A fifth generation fighter remains an ambitious goal for the PRC, because they are behind in the needed technologies such as aerospace-grade carbon fiber, advanced fighter engines, and AESA radar. Chengdu J-20 The Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter conducted its first flight on January 11, 2011 and entered service in 2017. Shenyang J-XX and FC-31 Shenyang Aircraft Corporation had a proposed J-XX aircraft that was larger than the J-20. In 2008, the PLAAF endorsed Chengdu Aerospace Corporation's proposal, Project 718 (J-20); Shenyang lost its bid, then chose to develop an export oriented fighter called FC-31. The Shenyang FC-31 Stealth fighter conducted its first flight in October 31, 2012. Xian H-20 The Xian H-20 is a subsonic stealth bomber design due to enter service in the future. JH-XX The JH-XX is a supersonic, stealth, tactical bomber/fighter-bomber aircraft under development. JH-XX is the second stealth bomber of China confirmed in existence by the U.S. intelligence community, and the Pentagon speculates the fighter-bomber is capable of long range strike and nuclear weapons delivery. See also Chengdu J-20 Shenyang J-31 References Citations