Gaobeidian RCS complex, China

摘要

IHS Jane's can reveal the existence of a previously undisclosed radar cross-section (RCS) test complex near Gaobeidian, southwest of Beijing. Airbus Defence and Space (DS) imagery captured on 16 September 2015 shows a full-scale test article of a Chengdu Aircraft Corporation J-20 fifth-generation fighter undergoing evaluation at the Gaobeidian complex. The test article is oriented with its aft section facing the radar sensors, indicating that aft-quarter RCS signature evaluation is under way. This test programme may lead to additional modifications, resulting in improved aft-quarter RCS performance on production models of the J-20. Alternatively, it may relate to evaluating the RCS signature of engine nozzle arrangements for the projected WS-15 powerplant.