Party like 1949

The banner reads: Warmly Celebrate Engineering Project 718 Prototype 01 Maiden Flight

The 1 star general standing in the middle of the first celebration pic is Ma Jianmin, principle of the PLAAF command academy (Kong Jun Zhi Hui Xue Yuan).*

* Thanks to COWlan for pointing he out.

IT FLIES! J-20 Stealth Fighter takes first public flight in Chengdu!

In a symbolic if unofficial salute to China's official guest, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the J-20 Stealth Fighter makes it's first public flight in front of the cameras. Acting as a chase plane is a two seater J-10S. Secretary Gates may seem to be aloof, but we're sure his old spook buddies at the CIA are watching the J-20 with great interest.

Here are the first pictures we have available, and as always, check China-Defense Forum for the latest discussions.

Video of the J-20 making it's "official" first flight in the hazy Chengdu sky:

http://video.sina.com.cn/v/b/44929492-1622669611.html#44667541