I haven't heard this theory regarding the J-20 and I want to throw it out there...
What we do know.
1. The Chinese are developing weapons to not only exploit perceived Western weakness but also to match our capabilities and if possible exceed them.
2. The Chinese have a hacking enterprise second to none. An enterprise that fetched them details on the F-35...presumably on its avionics package.
What has been speculated.
1. The J-20 is a large airplane to allow it to operate across the expanses of the Pacific.
2. In its production version it will sport thrust vectoring and F-22 class engines.
3. Its extremely agile and achieves it in a unique way not currently being utilized (exactly) in the West.
What I'm guessing.
The J-20 is a long range missile truck that operates under the assumption that maneuvering is irrelevant. A Chinese version of helmet mounted cuing...rearward facing AESA and some form of EOTS would in essence change what is needed in modern day aerial combat.
If the Chinese have been reading and keeping up with Air Force and Navy Journals regarding the use of Electronic Attack...the possibility of microwave and solid state lasers in the near future and the Achilles heel of power generation then it would lead them to build what we consider a huge fighter.
My guess is that the Chinese have put it all together, possibly much quicker than we did, with primary considerations NOT being agility but instead power production, long range, extremely large internal weapons bays and the ability to carry large all aspect sensors.
Just a guess but I can't get past how big this sucker is!
