From
"All designs are expected to feature an internal weapon bay to reduce RCS. So far it is still unclear whether the prototype will be able to fly in the next 5-7 years if everything goes smoothly. It has been rumored that J-12 would be powered by two 8,500kg/RD-33 class "medium thrust" turbofan engines with trust-vectoring nozzles to fullfill its high maneuverability requirement. A prototype of the trust-vectoring nozzle was displayed at 2002 Zhuhai Airshow by China Aeronautical Establishment/606 Institute in 2000. Consequently J-12 would have a 10t empty weight and a 15t normal TO weight, making it a medium weight fighter. On the other hand, J-13 might be powered by more powerful 12,500kg/AL-31F class "high thrust" turbofan engines which results in a normal TO weight exceeding 20t, making it a true heavy weight fighter. Whatever design XXJ will incoporate an advanced FBW system based upon the Active Control Technology developed by 601 Institute and tested on its J-8IIACT technology demonstrator. Its fire-control radar could feature an active phased array (Type 1475/KLJ5?). Russian assistance in this project has been anticipated too in terms of softwore support for calculating the RCS of various designs. The overall performance of XXJ is thought to be superior to EF-2000 and Rafale (stealth & agility) but still inferior to F/A-22 "(electronics & supercruise).
