1:48 Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter

1:48 Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter from Meng

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Chinese J-20 fighter aircraft in 1:48 scale from the Chinese manufacturer Meng. In this scale it is a large model, because the real subject itself is among the longest fighter aircraft of the present day. The number of parts, the contents of the decal sheet and any supplementary materials are stated on the box of the kit.

The real subject

The Chengdu J-20 is a Chinese twin-engine fifth-generation fighter aircraft with a reduced radar signature. It first flew in 2011 and began entering service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2017. In design terms it is an unusual combination of a canard configuration with a delta wing, a long fuselage and canted vertical tail surfaces. It carries its weapons in internal fuselage bays, so that the shaped surface meant to reduce the signature is not disturbed.

Building and painting tips

With aircraft of reduced signature the surface is the key - sharp edges, accurate joints and a uniform color. So sand the seams on the fuselage carefully and rescribe the interrupted lines. Apply the gray shade in thin layers over a light base and work with fine variations of tone between the panels, so that the large area does not set into a dull uniform gray. Choose the highlighting of the lines sparingly; a dark net would come across as out of place on this type. It pays to paint and fit the internal weapons bays before closing the fuselage. Spray a gloss varnish before the decals and then unify the surface with a matte one.

Who the model is for

• Anyone interested in modern combat aviation and fifth-generation machines
• Modelers who want a large and striking model for a display case
• Collectors of fighters in the consistent 1:48 scale
• Builders with experience of smooth surfaces and even spraying

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.