The stunt performance of four J-20 fighter jets in a close formation thrilled spectators at China's Changchun Air Show, which opened in Changchun, capital city of northeast China's Jilin Province on Wednesday, with the four jets making low-altitude flight, flying in a tail-close formation and staging aerial acrobatics. 

The grey camouflage paint and stealthy design of the J-20, with its distinct duck-shaped wings, were on full display as the jets flew in a tight tail-chase formation over Changchun before quickly transitioning into a diamond formation in the air. 

"The J-20's debut was extremely eye-catching," said Wang Mingzhi, a military expert. 

"The aircraft flew in a trail formation with the four planes flying very close together and at nearly identical altitudes, resulting in an extremely tight formation. At that moment, the pilots had to be in near perfect synchronization," Wang explained. "The lead aircraft certainly could not see the others behind it and the rear aircraft could only navigate based on instinctively matching the position of the aircraft in front, requiring an extremely high degree of precision in aircraft control."

More daring maneuvers followed as the jets split into pairs, banking sharply and tumbling upside down in unison, showcasing the J-20's exceptional agility. These daring moves electrified the crowds, who gasped and cheered as the pilots pushed the cutting-edge jets to their limits. 

"In fact, every maneuver in the performance is evolved from actual combat tactics. For example, when two jets peel off from the diamond formation towards the audience in a scissoring move, it's similar to a close-combat tactic we use call the scissor or the single-turn," said Shi Yunjia, a pilot. 

"One of the more exciting parts is the four-plane head-on pass we've designed. We'll do it right in front of the spectators at a closing speed of nearly 1500 km/h for a really thrilling visual effect," Shi said.

The J-20 formation's impressive display of aerobatics and the skill of the pilots were a testament to the bravery and dedication of the Chinese military. 

"During the fly-by, we had some interactions with the spectators. This shows the audience's fondness for us pilots, our aircraft and our equipment. We should repay the country and people with even greater combat capabilities," Shi said. 

The 2023 Changchun Air Show will last until July 30.