J-20 Debut! Shocking and No Need for Humility!

The next morning, in Shudi.

Inside Institute 611.

Song Qinyi gazed at all the R&D team members, a smile on his face. "Conveying the order from above, the J-20 will undergo preliminary testing."

"This experiment is for taxiing test verification."

"Yes." Several R&D team leaders echoed in agreement.

Over the past two weeks, they had completed preliminary improvements and adjustments to the J-20. This included applying the second-generation gallium-silver composite stealth coating, and initial fine-tuning of the aerodynamic layout.

The high-strength carbon fiber composite material was still under development, with an initial estimate that it could be fully replaced by the time the prototype made its maiden flight.

However, the engine was still the old Russian AL-31F. Equipping a brand-new engine would require major modifications to the J-20, including redesigning crucial components like fuel delivery, power systems, and power generation.

Even with complete technical data for the F-22 fighter jet's F119 engine, Institute 611 was not rushing its development.

After all, the institute's immediate priority was the successful maiden flight verification of the J-20 fighter jet.

Only after achieving this could they discuss replacing it with a more powerful engine or a comprehensive upgrade to a more intelligent fourth-generation integrated avionics system.

Otherwise, if the maiden flight verification itself wasn't successful, what was there to discuss about improvements and development?

A tow tractor slowly pulled the aircraft out of the hangar, and the landing gear stopped on the runway.

Everyone stared intently at the J-20, which resembled a six-winged angel spreading its wings, their breathing becoming somewhat tense.

Wing surface tests were underway.

[Canards normal, flaps normal, vertical tail deflection normal.]

[J-20 wing surfaces all normal.]

"How were the data from the day before yesterday?" Song Qinyi asked his assistant.

"Modified tests and ground experiments are complete, and all data are within expected values."

"Very good. After this round of checks, directly issue the taxiing test order," Song Qinyi nodded, his expression still calm and composed.

With the J-20 having absorbed various technologies from the F-22, there was no reason it wouldn't pass even this basic verification.

This taxiing test was merely a routine procedure before the maiden flight. Its main purpose was to verify the fighter jet's most fundamental capabilities: turning, maintaining a straight line, curve correction, and whether various structural components and the engine operated normally under high-speed vibration. It was the most basic inspection process.

If this step wasn't mandatory, he probably wouldn't have paid much attention to it.

Without even this level of confidence, how could he have the audacity to claim they could build a prototype for its maiden flight within four months and present it as a gift to Great Xia?

At this moment, the J-20 on the runway had also completed its inspection.

All preparations were complete. The engine started, and the AL-31F emitted its characteristic fierce and sharp roar.

It slowly accelerated on the ground, and all the R&D team members held their breath.

The engine gradually increased thrust, instantly reaching a speed of 80 km/h. This was the simplest low-speed taxiing.

[Taxiing motion characteristics: all normal.]

[Precise straight-line taxiing: no error.]

[Turning capability: maximum angle.]

Looking further away.

About one to two kilometers from the runway, there was a wall about four to five meters high, primarily to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering and capturing photos that could lead to leaks or serious violations.

However, Institute 611's intentions were good, but they underestimated these people.

Clearly, this wall couldn't stop these "enthusiastic" onlookers whose curiosity had reached its peak.

Sometimes, when there were no more spots on the wall, these people would even climb ten to twenty-meter-high trees, resulting in many breaking several ribs. Some were even hiding in the bushes.

If Eagle Country saw this, it would likely recall some unpleasant memories, and a cheerful little tune from the Vietnam War might echo in their ears, taking them back decades.

At this moment.

The most advantageous positions were occupied by several middle-aged men, mostly in their thirties and forties. They were perched on a gap in the wall, craning their necks to look up.

Their equipment was almost identical: a pair of binoculars. Those with better financial conditions also had digital cameras hanging from their chests.

They were leaning together in small groups, cracking sunflower seeds and snacks, muttering amongst themselves.

"Brother, what kind of plane is Lockheed Martin working on this time?" asked a slightly sturdier man, whose hat bore the emblem of a J-10 fighter jet.

Beside him, a thin, dark-skinned man guessed, "There's a rumor that this fighter jet experiment has a little surprise. What do you think it could be?"

"I don't know. Judging by the commotion, it seems to be something big. Could it be a new type of fighter jet?"

"It's probably an improved version of the J-10, right? Like a Typhoon-class fourth-generation-and-a-half fighter jet."

"Then, do you think our newly developed fighter jet can reach the level of the old Russian Su-35?"

"I doubt it. The Su-35 is hailed as the strongest fourth-generation-and-a-half fighter, the most powerful existence below fifth-generation fighters. It can be considered a 4++ generation fighter. Weren't there discussions on the forum about us developing a fourth-generation-and-a-half fighter?"

Several others who saw this also chimed in, joining the discussion.

For this fighter jet to rival the Su-35 and become the strongest fourth-generation-and-a-half fighter was already the best-case scenario they could imagine.

As for fifth-generation fighters? They wouldn't even dare to dream that big!

These people shared one characteristic: they weren't just 'enthusiastic' onlookers filled with curiosity, but also seasoned military fans.

Their goal in perching on the wall wasn't to gather intelligence, but simply to learn about the latest developments in Great Xia's military equipment research.

Of course, being able to go back and brag to netizens on the forums was also one of their main objectives.

Suddenly, one of their brothers, hanging from a tree, shouted excitedly, "Hey, it's out, it's out! Quick, look, what kind of fighter jet is this?"

He held a pair of binoculars in one hand and clung tightly to the tree trunk with the other, making one worry he might fall.

"Where? On that runway?" Many people immediately started looking around.

"On runway three, it's being towed out now. Is this fighter jet about to have its maiden flight?"

"Doesn't look like it. This is probably just a routine ground inspection; it's not at the research stage for a maiden flight yet," an experienced old military fan shook his head.

However, when everyone clearly saw the specific appearance of this fighter jet, their hearts skipped a beat in unison, and they shivered all over.

Their eyes revealed not only confusion but also intense shock and surprise.

This was a brand-new fighter jet they had never seen before, appearing brazenly in everyone's sight.

Its sci-fi exterior, silver paint scheme, and overall flattened aerodynamic layout.

This is a 4.5-generation fighter jet?! You call this thing a 4.5-gen?

This surprise was just too overwhelming!