AVIC I Building, Beijing, PRC; 13 Aug 08

In the course of my research into aviation museums and collections in the Beijing area, I came upon an interesting photo, showing what looked like a replica of the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force's latest fighter, the advanced, fifth generation Chengdu J-10, on display outside some offices in downtown Beijing, but with only a vague idea as to its location. However, some Googling of the office and hotel names in the background enabled me to narrow the location down a bit more, and after only a short search, I was able to find the J-10.

On finding the J-10, I was surprised to find it looked like either a very good replica or a genuine prototype. It has since been confirmed to me that the aircraft on display is in fact a prototype, and even gave away some interesting information to international observers when it went on display a couple of months previously.

The aircraft was placed on display at its current location as AVIC I is the Chinese state design consortium responsible for producing the J-10. It is fascinating to see such an advanced Chinese fighter up close, and well recommended if you are in the area.

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