Wikipedia

Chengdu J-20

The Chengdu J-20 (Chinese: 歼-20; pinyin: Jiān-Èrlíng), also known as Mighty Dragon (Chinese: 威龙; pinyin: Wēilóng,[10][11][12] NATO reporting name: Fagin),[13] is a twinjet all-weather stealth[14] fifth-generation fighter fighter aircraft developed by China's Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).[5] The J-20 is designed as an air superiority fighter with precision strike capability.[15] The aircraft has three variants: the initial production model J-20A, the thrust-vectoring J-20B, and twin-seat aircraft teaming capable J-20S.

J-20 Mighty Dragon
J-20 flight at the 2022 Changchun Air Show
Role Stealth air superiority fighter
National origin China
Manufacturer Chengdu Aerospace Corporation
First flight 11 January 2011; 13 years ago[1][2]
Introduction 9 March 2017[3][4]
Status In service[5]
Primary user People's Liberation Army Air Force
Produced 2009–present[6]
Number built 210~250+[7][8][9] (as of 2023)
Developed from J-XX

Descending from the J-XX program of the 1990s,[16] the aircraft made its maiden flight on 11 January 2011,[1][2] and was officially revealed at the 2016 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.[17] The aircraft entered service in March 2017[5] with the first J-20 combat unit formed in February 2018,[5] making China the second country in the world and the first in Asia to field an operational stealth aircraft.[18]

Development edit

 
The two Chengdu J-20s making their first public appearance at Airshow China 2016

The J-20 emerged from the late-1990s J-XX program. In 2008, the PLAAF endorsed Chengdu Aerospace Corporation's proposal, Project 718. Chengdu had previously used the double-canard configuration in the J-9, its first design and cancelled in the 1970s, and the J-10.[19][20]

In 2009, a senior PLAAF official revealed that the first flight was expected in 2010–11, with a service entry date by 2019.[21] On 22 December 2010, the first J-20 prototype underwent high speed taxiing tests outside the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI).[6][22] Three months later, the first J-20 prototype made its maiden flight in Chengdu.[1][2] The first prototype was painted with the number "2001". In May 2012, the second prototype took flight in the CADI facility.[23][24]

Several changes were made to the third J-20 prototype, numbered "2011", which made its maiden flight in March 2014.[25] The new prototype showed increasing sophistication in design, including numerous subtle changes from the first two prototypes.[25] The new airframe introduced modified diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) intakes, stealth coating, streamlined underwing fairings, and redesigned vertical stabilizers. Analysts noted new equipment and devices for multi-role operations, such as integrated targeting pods for precision-guided munition, and six additional passive infrared sensors can also be spotted around the aircraft.[26][27][28]

In December 2015, the low rate initial production (LRIP) version of the J-20 was spotted by military observers.[29][30] The LRIP aircraft revealed dielectric surfaces that were previously painted for prototypes, potentially containing various sensors or baked-in radar absorbing materials.[29]

In October 2017, Chinese state media reported that the designs of the J-20 had been finalized, and were ready for mass production as well as being combat-ready.[31] In March 2018, Chinese military revealed other versions of the J-20 platform were being developed.[32]

In January 2019, Chinese media reported that a twin-seat variant of the J-20 is rumored to be in development for use in tactical bombing, electronic warfare and carrier strike roles.[33]

In November 2019, a J-20 painted in yellow primer coating was spotted during its flight testing by defense observers at the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation manufacturing facility. The aircraft is equipped with a new variant of WS-10 Taihang engines with serrated afterburner nozzles to enhance stealth.[34][35] Report indicated Chengdu Aerospace Corporation terminated the manufacturing of J-20 with Russian engines in mid-2019.[36]

Chinese media reported that a new variant of the J-20, the J-20B, was unveiled on July 8, 2020, and entered mass production the same day. The only change mentioned was that the J-20B was to be equipped with thrust vectoring control.[37] Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact engine type. Analyst Andreas Rupprecht expressed skepticism regarding the use of Russian engines on the J-20, as he believes that the J-20 is using a variant of the WS-10, which he called the WS-10C. This engine has improved thrust, stealthier serrated afterburner nozzles, and higher reliability, but it is not designed for thrust vectoring, unlike the WS-10 TVC demonstrated on a J-10 in 2018 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.[38] Analyst Jamie Hunter believed the new engine type is what he called WS-10B-3, a Chinese-made thrust-vectoring engine demonstrated on the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow.[36]

In January 2021, South China Morning Post reported that China would replace Russian engines on the J-20 stealth fighter with a type of Chinese engine called WS-10C.[39][40] In June 2021, Chinese media confirmed that an aviation brigade is assigned with the enhanced J-20A variant that integrates domestic WS-10C engines.[41] Despite the replacement, WS-10C is considered another interim solution before Shenyang WS-15 passes evaluations. Moreover, WS-10C will not be equipped on the J-20B, the thrust-vectoring version of the J-20 that entered mass production in 2019, which still required further testing. Overall, Chinese engineers believe WS-10C is comparable with AL-31F in performance,[42][43] and the replacement would also reduce China's dependency on Russian engines.[43] The WS-10C-powered J-20 has officially showcased to the public on 28 September 2021 at Zhuhai Airshow.[42][44][45]

The development of a twin-seater variant was hinted at by J-20's chief designer in 2019.[46] In January 2021, Aviation Industry Corporation of China released computer renderings of the twin-seat variant of the J-20 fighter in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the jet's maiden flight.[47] In February 2021, a South China Morning Post infographic depicted a twin-seat J-20 variant powered by thrust vectoring WS-10C.[48] In October 2021, a taxiing prototype, dubbed J-20S by analysts,[49][50] was spotted near Chengdu Aerospace Corporation facilities, making J-20S the first-ever two-seat stealth fighter.[51][52] The twin-seat design allows the possibility for the second operator to coordinate attacks and reconnaissance missions from other friendly aircraft via networking or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) linked via "loyal wingman" systems and sensors. The advantage of a second operator includes the potential for better interpreting and exploiting the enormous sensory data that could overload the limited cognitive and processing capacity for a single human, especially in a contested air combat environment.[50][53]

In March 2022, Chinese state media reported that the J-20, reportedly with one engine replaced by the WS-15,[54] had performed flight trials.[55] In December 2022, Chinese military analysts indicated the WS-15 was undertaking the last stage of testing and development.[56] In late December, a prototype of the new J-20 variant was observed at Chengdu Aerospace Corporation facilities. The new variant was painted in yellow primer and different from previous J-20 aircraft in airframe design, with a low-profile blended canopy, aiming to optimize transonic flight performance and maneuverability. The new prototype was speculated to be used to test the WS-15 engine and thrust-vectoring.[57][58] In March 2023, the executive of Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced the serial production of the WS-15 has started.[59][60] FlightGlobal speculated that small-scale production and in-flight testing with the J-20 fighter was underway.[61] On 29 June 2023, a J-20 fighter in yellow primer was observed taking off from Chengdu Aircraft Cooperation airfield fitted with reportedly two WS-15 engines.[54][62]

In October 2023, the Pentagon reported that PLAAF was preparing upgrades for the J-20, including extended weapon-carrying capability, thrust vectoring nozzles, control systems for unmanned aircraft teaming, and WS-15 high thrust engines.[63]

Design edit

 
Chengdu J-20 showcasing maneuverability at Airshow China 2018.

Characteristics edit

The J-20 has a long and blended fuselage, with a chiseled nose section and a frameless canopy. Immediately behind the cockpit are low-observable diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) intakes. All-moving canard surfaces with pronounced dihedral are placed behind the intakes, followed by leading edge extensions (LERX) merging into the delta wing with forward-swept trailing edges. The aft section has twin outward canted all-moving fins, short but deep ventral strakes, and conventional or low-observable[15] engine exhausts.[64][65]

One important design criterion for the J-20 is high instability.[66][67] This requires sustained pitch authority at a high angle of attack, in which a conventional tail-plane would lose effectiveness due to stalling. On the other hand, a canard can deflect opposite to the angle of attack, avoiding stall and thereby maintaining control.[68] A canard design is also known to provide good supersonic performance, excellent supersonic and transonic turn performance, and improved short-field landing performance compared to the conventional delta-wing design.[69][70]

Leading edge extensions and body lift are incorporated to enhance performance in a canard layout. This combination is said by the designer to generate 1.2 times the lift of an ordinary canard delta, and 1.8 times more lift than an equivalent-sized pure delta configuration. The designer claims such a combination allows the use of a smaller wing, reducing supersonic drag without compromising transonic lift-to-drag characteristics that are crucial to the aircraft's turn performance.[66][67][71]

The use of a bubble canopy, extensive flight-control surfaces, and canard configuration for angle-of-attack control indicates J-20's intention to operate in air-superiority missions and within-visual-range engagements. Chief test pilot Li Gang describes the J-20 as having comparable manoeuvrability to the Chengdu J-10 while being significantly better at low-observable (LO) performance. The J-20 is a multirole air superiority fighter, with the interceptor role being just one of the options.[15]

Avionics and cockpit edit

 
Chengdu J-20 displaying weapon bays, missiles, and avionics during Airshow China 2018.

The J-20 avionics aim to obtain situational awareness through advanced sensor fusion while denying situational awareness to the adversary through stealth and electronic warfare. The J-20 features an integrated avionic suite consisting of multi-spectral sensors capable of providing omnidirectional coverage.[15] Official information on the type of radar that J-20s use has not yet been released publicly. Some analysts believed that J-20s used Type 1475 (KLJ-5) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with 1856 transmit/receive modules,[72] but more recent information revealed that this radar was designed for upgraded versions of the J-11D.[73] Other analysts point out that, based on the nose cross-section of the J-20 and known data about a single transmit/receive module surface in the J-16's AESA radar system, J-20s likely contain 2000–2200 transmit/receive modules.[74]

Prototypes after application "2011" and production models feature a revised nose section with an electro-optical/infra-red targeting system and an advanced communications suite on top of the aircraft, enabling it to datalink with other friendly platforms in service, such as airborne early-warning drones. Six electro-optic sensors called the Distributed Aperture System[N 1] (similar to EODAS) can provide omnidirectional coverage for the pilot with a sensor fusion system combining the radar signal with the IR image to provide better situational awareness.[14][75] Underneath the nose, is an optical sensor system mounted inside a diamond-shaped golden-mirrored enclosure. Beijing A-Star Science and Technology has developed the EOTS-86 electro-optical targeting system and Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System for the J-20, and potentially for other PLAAF fighters, to passively detect, identify, track, and intercept stealth aircraft without emitting electromagnetic signals.[76][77] The combination of an integrated under-nose targeting pod with the six spherically located passive-optical tracking sensors is reportedly similar to the design concept of Lockheed Martin F-35's avionic suite.[78]

The aircraft features a fully-digital glass cockpit with one primary large color liquid-crystal display (LCD) touchscreen, three smaller auxiliary displays, and a wide-angle holographic heads-up display (HUD).[79][80][81] The size of the primary LCD screen is 610 mm × 230 mm (24 in × 9 in), 650 mm (25.63 in) diagonal size, with two illumination systems for operational redundancy.[82] The aircraft is fitted with a helmet-mounted display (HMD) system, which displays combat information inside the pilots' helmet visor and facilities firing missiles at high off-boresight angle.[83][84]

Armament edit

The main weapon bay is capable of housing both long-range air-to-air missiles (AAM; PL-12, PL-15 – PL-21) and precision-guided munitions (PGM; LS-6/50, LS-6/100),[85] while the two smaller lateral weapon bays behind the air inlets are intended for short-range AAMs (PL-10). These side bays allow closure of the bay doors prior to firing the missile, enhancing stealth and allowing the missile to be fired in the shortest possible time.[86][87] The J-20 reportedly lacks an internal autocannon or rotary cannon, suggesting the aircraft is not intended for use in short-range dogfight engagements with other aircraft but to engage from long standoff ranges with missiles such as the PL-15 and PL-21.[88][89] The J-20 will likely use air-to-air missiles to engage in air superiority combat with other aircraft and to destroy high-value airborne assets. Supplemental missions may include launching anti-radiation missiles and air-to-ground munitions for precision-strike missions.[90]

While the fighter typically carries weapons internally, the wings include four hardpoints for auxiliary fuel tanks to extend the ferrying range.[91] However, much like the F-22, the J-20 is unlikely to carry fuel tanks on combat missions due to its vulnerability in such a configuration; the value of this configuration is relevant to such peacetime operations as transiting between airbases.[92] The fighter is able to carry four medium/long-range AAMs in the main bay and one short-range missile in each lateral weapon bay.[93] Pentagon reported that China planned to upgrade the weapons bay to accommodate six missiles.[94] A staggered arrangement of six PL-15s is possible with modified rail launchers under development.[83] Another approach with a newly designed, thinner profile missile than PL-15 was also reportedly under development.[95]

Engines edit

Engine models identified on the J-20
Engine type Platform Introduction Capabilities
LO TVC SC
Shenyang WS-10B J-20 (LRIP) 2015[96][97] No No No
Saturn AL-31FM2 J-20A 2011[36][98] No No No
Shenyang WS-10C J-20A 2019[36][90] Yes No[99] Yes[N 2]
Shenyang WS-10B-3 J-20B 2019[36] Yes Yes No
Shenyang WS-15 J-20B 2022[55] Yes Yes Yes

The J-20 entered production powered by an improved Lyulka-Saturn AL-31 variant, reportedly the AL-31FM2 developed by Salyut.[98] The engine has a "special power setting" thrust of 145 kN (32,600 lbf).[104][105]

The next interim engine was the Shenyang WS-10. The WS-10B reportedly powered low rate initial production aircraft in 2015,[96] and was used as an interim engine before the adoption of the AL-31.[106][107] There are conflicting reports concerning the powerplant of the TVC-equipped J-20B.[37] The powerplant has been identified as the AL-31FM2, or a variant of the WS-10; "WS-10C" by Andreas Rupprecht,[38] or "WS-10B-3" by Jamie Hunter. The TVC-equipped WS-10B-3 was demonstrated at the 2018 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.[36]

The push to replace the AL-31 with the WS-10C followed the failure of the WS-15 to pass trials in 2019.[107] Aircraft powered by WS-10Cs were flying by September 2019.[42] The engine has a thrust of 142-147 kN, and has serrated afterburner nozzles for enhanced rear-aspect stealth.[36][42] Flights with prototypes[108] powered by the WS-10C were underway by November 2020.[109] In June 2021, Chinese media confirmed that the WS-10C was powering operational J-20As.[41] In January 2022, it was reported that aircraft powered by the WS-10C would be upgraded with TVC.[99]

The intended powerplant is the Shenyang WS-15[98] with a thrust of 180 kN,[110][111] which is crucial for supercruise and enhanced maneuverability.[97] Despite the earlier WS-10C engine was reportedly powerful enough to support supercruise,[100][101][102] the WS-15 would allow J-20 to supercruise at a higher speed,[102] and increases J-20's thrust above that of F-22 and F-35.[54] The extra energy and cooling provided by the engine could also power potential upgrades such as directed energy weapons and future sensor technologies.[112][111] The WS-15 development was reportedly ongoing in 2019.[98][107] In March 2022, Chinese state media reported that the J-20 had performed flight trials[56] with the engine and experienced significantly improved performance.[55] It was also reported that eventually, new production and existing aircraft powered by the AL-31 would be fitted with the WS-15.[55] In March 2023, the WS-15 entered mass production.[59][113]

The aircraft is equipped with a retractable refueling probe embedded on the right side of the cockpit, to help the fighter to maintain stealth while flying greater distances.[114]

Stealth edit

Analysts noted that the J-20's airframe employs a holistic approach to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS), uniquely combining canard wings with leading edge root extensions (LERX).[32][15] The chined forebody, modified radar radome, and electroconductive canopy[15] use a stealth shaping, yielding signature performance in a mature design similar to the F-22.[115] The diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) leading into serpentine inlets (S-ducts) can obscure the reflective surface of the engine from radar detection. DSI intakes save weight, reduce complexity, and minimize radar signature. Additional low-observable features include a flat fuselage bottom holding an internal weapons bay, sawtooth edges on compartment doors, mesh coverings on cooling ports at the base of the vertical tails, embedded antennas, and radar-absorbent coating materials.[15][116] While the aircraft's fins/strakes and axisymmetric rear areas may expose the aircraft to radar, the overall stealth shaping of the J-20 is robust and considerably more capable than the Russian PAK-FA.[64][117] Improvements regarding stealth were subsequently introduced - one prototype in 2014 was powered by WS-10 engines equipped with different jagged-edge nozzles and tiles for greater stealth.[118] The J-20 production model with the serrated WS-10C engine is also capable of mitigating negative effects on rear-aspect stealth.[119]

Others have raised doubts about the use of canards on a low-observable design, stating that canards would guarantee radar detection and compromise stealth.[120][121] However, these critiques with respect to the canard's RCS may be unfounded.[15] Canards and low-observability are not necessarily mutually exclusive designs. Northrop Grumman's proposal for the U.S. Navy's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) incorporated canards on a stealthy airframe.[122][123] Lockheed Martin employed canards on a stealth airframe for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) program during early development before dropping them due to complications with aircraft carrier recovery.[124][125] McDonnell Douglas and NASA's X-36 featured canards and was considered to be extremely stealthy.[126] Radar cross-section can be further reduced by controlling canard deflection through flight-control software, as on the Eurofighter.[127][128] Similarly, Chinese aerospace researchers also concluded that, in terms of stealth, the canard delta configuration is comparable with the conventional arrangement.[129] Defense observer Rick Joe believes J-20's configuration is stealthy, while there is a lack of evidence for the popular assumption of canards' inherent incompatibility with stealth.[119]

Composite materials are applied to minimize the J-20's radar-cross sections.[77] The diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) enables an aircraft to reach Mach 2.0 with a simpler intake than traditionally required, and improves stealth performance by eliminating radar reflections between the diverter and the aircraft's skin. Analysts have also noted that the J-20 DSI reduces the need for the application of radar-absorbent materials.[130][131] A removable radar reflectors (Luneburg lens) is mounted on the underside of the J-20 to amplify its radar returns, concealing the real radar signature.[77] In the 2021 production model, the emitter is re-engineered to be retractable.[132]

In May 2018, Indian Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa claimed at a press conference that the radars on India's Su-30MKI fighters were "good enough" and could detect a J-20 from "several kilometers away" while answering a question on whether the J-20 posed a threat to India.[133][134] Analyst Justin Bronk from Royal United Services Institute noted that Chinese were possibly flying the J-20 with radar reflectors during peacetime for safety and training purposes due to the potential for accidents and identification from other aircraft or ground installations.[135] In a more recent report, Bronk also states that even with limited stealth, J-20 could hide and strike enemy critical platforms in an airspace with background clutter caused by non-stealth fighters and other electromagnetic noise.[90] Despite debate regarding J-20's stealth capability, military analysts agree that the J-20's stealth design is superior to that of the Russian Su-57[15][136] and its stealth profile could be further enhanced as the program matures.[137][138]

Operational history edit

 
Two J-20 fighters breaking formation

Flight testing edit

On 10 December 2010, the first J-20 prototype was observed undertaking high speed taxiing tests around the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI) facilities before the maiden flight.[6]

On 11 January 2011, the first J-20 prototype (numbered "2001") made its first flight, lasting about 15 minutes, with a Chengdu J-10B serving as the chase aircraft.[1][2] After the successful flight, a ceremony was held, attended by the pilot, Li Gang, Chief Designer Yang Wei and General Li Andong, Deputy-Director of General Armaments.[139] On 17 April 2011, a second test flight of an hour and 20 minutes took place.[140] On 5 May 2011, a 55-minute test flight was held that included retraction of the landing gear.[141] On 26 February 2012, the first prototype J-20 performed various low-altitude maneuvers.[142][143]

On 10 May 2012, the second prototype (numbered "2002") underwent high-speed taxiing tests, and flight testing that began later that month.[144][24] On 20 October 2012, photographs of the prototype with open compartment doors and a modified pitot tube emerged,[N 3] suggesting the possible inclusion of radar or sensors. In March 2013, images of the side weapon bays appeared, displaying a missile launch rail.[145][146]

On 16 January 2014, the third J-20 prototype was revealed, showing new intakes, embedded engine nozzles, and stealth coating, as well as redesigned vertical stabilizers, and an Electro-Optical Targeting System.[118][27][147] This particular aircraft, numbered "2011", performed its maiden flight on 1 March 2014 and is said to represent the initial pre-serial standard.[25]

By the end of 2014, three more pre-serial prototypes were flown, each with incremental improvements to the design. The fourth prototype "2012" was tested on 26 July 2014, sharing many similarities with the "2011". This pair of aircraft was reportedly powered by AL-31FM2 engines.[148][149] The fifth prototype, numbered "2013", took off on 29 November 2014.[150] Three weeks later, number "2015" made its maiden flight on 19 December 2014, indicating rapid construction capability. Both prototypes featured retractable aerial refueling probes and infrared-suppression engine nozzles.[116] The sixth prototype "2015" featured a slight alteration to tail booms, suggesting the installation of rear-facing sensors. PLAAF also modified an airliner to serve as the AESA radar test-bed for the J-20 program.[150]

On 13 September 2015, a new prototype, marked "2016", began testing. It had noticeable improvements, such as apparently modified DSI bumps on the intakes. The DSI changes suggested the possibility of more powerful engines being used than its predecessors, likely to be an advanced 14-ton thrust derivative of the Russian AL-31 or Chinese Shenyang WS-10 turbofan engines. By 2020, the J-20 is scheduled to use the 18–19 ton WS-15 engine, enabling the jet to supercruise without using afterburners. The trapezoidal flight booms around the engines were further enlarged, possibly to accommodate rearwards-facing radars, electronic countermeasures, and jamming equipment. The fuselage was extended to the engine's exhaust nozzles. Compared to its "2014" and "2015" predecessors, the engine's surface area is further embedded inside the stealthy coating, providing greater rear-facing stealth against enemy detection.[116]

On 24 November 2015, a new J-20 prototype, numbered "2017", took to the sky. The most significant change in the new prototype was the reshaped cockpit canopy, which provides the pilot with greater visibility. The lack of other design changes suggested that "2017" is very close to the final J-20 production configuration. Since '2017' was likely the last J-20 prototype, the low rate initial production (LRIP) of the J-20 is likely to begin in 2016.[151] Chinese media reported that the design of the J-20 was frozen and finalized, as formal ceremonies were held for the prototype "2017" after completing the flight testing.[152] The LRIP version later appeared in December 2015.[29]

In March 2017, Chinese media reported that the fighter entered service. But it still faced a series of technical challenges that needed to be tackled, including the reliability of its WS-15 engines, the aircraft's flight control system, stealth coatings, hull materials, and infrared sensor.[153] In September 2017, a newly built J-20 prototype (numbered "2021") was flight testing with Chinese-made WS-10 Taihang engines, featuring sawtoothed serration edge on its afterburning nozzles.[154] The J-20 with indigenous WS-10C engines began production in 2019.[36][90]

In September 2018, it was reported that issues with the development of the WS-15 engine, particularly the reliability of the turbine blades overheating at top speeds were fixed.[155] The WS-15 reportedly required further development after failing final verification testing at the end of 2019.[43] The COVID-19 pandemic imposed further delays.[107] In March 2022, Chinese state media reported that the WS-15 engine completed final testing.[156]

In November 2021, the US military reported that the J-20 was gradually receiving upgrades.[157] In the same month, new J-20 two-seater variant began flight testing.[158]

In December 2022, the prototype "2051" in yellow premier coat took flight. The new prototype had a redesigned canopy section and was speculated for engine and thrust-vectoring testing[57][58] In March 2023, J-20 fitted with one Shenyang WS-15 engine reportedly performed experimental flights.[54] On 29 June 2023, the J-20 prototype "2052" equipped with two distinguishable WS-15 engines took flight in Chengdu,[159] captured by Chinese military enthusiasts and spread throughout social media.[62] Despite the lack of clear pictures, circumstantial evidence such as a photo of the engine installation ceremony, lack of censorship by the authorities, and modified airframe suggested the WS-15 was evidently mounted, though Janes Information Services noted the engines on trial apparently lacks the thrust vectoring control (TVC) paddles, which could be added later.[160][161][162]

Production edit

 
Four J-20 in formation at Changchun Airshow 2023

In late December 2015, a new J-20 numbered 2101 was spotted; it is believed to be the LRIP version of the aircraft.[29] Chinese media suggested the stealth aircraft will enter production ahead of schedule.[163] In July 2016, pre-production models with dark-grey paint and low visibility insignias were spotted inside a Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) facility. The production rate indicated an intended initial operational capability (IOC) date of around 2017–2018.[164]

In October 2017, Chinese media reported that CAC initiated the serial production for the J-20 and is on a path towards achieving full operational capability with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). State media described the CAC's production rate as "stable", meaning achieving a regular production rate for minimal economies of scale. The production rate was expected to be three aircraft per month.[165][166]

In 2019, Chengdu Aerospace Corporation began manufacturing J-20 fitted with Chinese-made WS-10 Taihang engines.[34] J-20s manufactured after mid-2019 were no longer fitted with Russian AL-31F turbofan engines.[36] In June 2021, J-20A with Chinese-made WS-10C engines were incorporated into active service.[41] The production rate of J-20 was expected to be further increased.[167][168]

In December 2021, CAC announced the full-scale mass production of the J-20 fighter has begun, with record-breaking numbers in deliveries achieved due to high demands from the PLAAF.[169] In January 2022, United States Air Force (USAF) analyst Derek Solen estimated 50 to 74 fighters were in service based on open-source intelligence.[170] In August 2022, USAF analyst Li Xiaobing reported that over 150 had been delivered;[7] claims of 150 being in service had been made in 2021.[171][172]

After the announcement of mass production in December 2021, J-20 became the most-produced twin-engine fighter at the time, with PLAAF inducting one brigade of fighters every six months. This production rate was only exceeded by the single-engined F-35.[173][174] Estimated production rate was 40 to 50 airframes per year in 2022,[175] and 100 to 120 airframes per year in 2023.[159][176]

In November 2022, high-resolution photos revealed over 208 J-20 fighters had been manufactured.[8][159] According to analyst Andreas Rupprecht, a total of four batches of J-20 have been delivered by 2022 with 18, 46, 56, and 70 airframes for each shipment based on his conservative estimate. The new pictures also indicated significantly improved manufacturing tolerance and quality control.[8][177] A more conservative estimate backed with satellite imagery verification revised the numbers to 180 airframes by the end of 2022.[159] Nevertheless, the production number of the J-20 was confirmed to eclipse that of the F-22 (187 airframes) in early 2023,[178] meeting the production number years ahead of defense analysts' prediction, indicating a confident logistics and upkeep network.[159] According to the Chinese military, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) accelerated the manufacturing and delivery of the J-20 fighter due to the implementation of pulse assembly line. Chinese military analysts believed the initiative aimed to counter-balance the increasing numbers of F-35 fighters deployed by the United States in the Asia-Pacific.[179][180]

In July 2023, analyst Rick Joe predicted the total fleet of the J-20 would reach 1,000 airframes across all variants by early 2030s, if the production rate sustained at 100 airframes per year.[159]

Training edit

Pilot training for the J-20 started as early as March 2017, after the fighter entered limited service in the initial operational capability (IOC) phase. During the IOC phase, the fighters are equipped with radar reflectors, also known as Luneburg lens, to enlarge and conceal the actual radar cross-section.[181][135]

The J-20 participated in its first combat exercise in January 2018, practicing beyond-visual-range maneuvers against China's fourth-generation fighters such as J-16 and J-10C. The exercise was reported to be realistic.[182] Training with mixed generations allows pilots to become familiar with fifth-generation aircraft, and to develop tactics both for and against them.[183] Chinese Ministry of National Defense also revealed that J-20 has conducted night confrontation missions during several coordinated tactical training exercises.[184]

The J-20 participated in its first over-ocean combat exercise in May 2018.[185]

In April 2022, the J-20 is confirmed to be engaged in regular maritime patrols in the East China Sea and the South China Sea for routine training missions, in a statement released by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.[186][187]

In March 2023, Chinese state media reported that PLAAF uses J-20 fighters to simulate the F-35 in surface strike missions during opposing force training. The exercise tested the command chain and kill chain integration between the PLA Ground Force and Air Force with two branches sharing real-time data for combined air defense missions, training tactics against stealth fighters.[188]

Deployment edit

On 12 December 2016, at least six J-20s were observed in PLAAF air bases, with tail numbers 78271-78276 identified.[189] Another six were believed to be ready for delivery by the end of December 2016.[190] On 9 March 2017, Chinese media revealed that the J-20 had entered service in the Chinese air force,[3][4] making China the second country in the world—after the United States—and the first in Asia to field an operational fifth-generation stealth aircraft.[18] Chinese National Defense Ministry confirmed the service status in September 2017.[182] It is anticipated that frontline units could be equipped with the low observable combat aircraft before 2020. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) proposed that, as the trend continues, the US could lose its monopoly on operational stealth aircraft.[191]

The PLAAF began inducting J-20s into combat units in February 2018,[5] one month after its first combat drill.[182] The aircraft entered service with the 9th Fighter Brigade based at Wuhu Air Base, Anhui province in late 2018 – March 2019, replacing Su-30MKK fighters previously deployed there.[5][192]

On 27 August 2019, the Central Military Commission of the People's Liberation Army approved the J-20 as the PLAN's future primary fighter, beating out the Shenyang FC-31. Arguments for the J-20 state that the plane is far more advanced, longer-ranged, and carries a heavier payload than the FC-31, while those supporting the FC-31 argued that it is cheaper, lighter, and far more maneuverable than the J-20. The J-20 would likely be commissioned upon the Type 003 aircraft carrier under construction, however, the length of the J-20 means that it has to be shortened to be considered operable on an aircraft carrier.[193]

On 26 June 2021, Chinese state media reported that J-20 fighters were deployed to PLAAF units monitoring East China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Analysts suggested that the Chinese Air Force aimed to equip at least one to two brigades in each of the five theater commands before 2026.[194] On 19 April 2022, satellites image indicated that all five theater commands had equipped with J-20A fighters,[195] which was later confirmed by the Chinese Air Force spokesperson on a press release in September.[196]

In March 2022, the United States Air Force (USAF) general Kenneth Wilsbach confirmed that USAF F-35s have encountered J-20s deployed over the East China Sea.[197] In April 2022, Chinese state media reported J-20 started regular patrol in the South China Sea.[198]

In March 2023, Military Watch Magazine reported seven brigades had received J-20A fighters.[199] And by June 2023, ten brigades had completed the transition to the new fighter platform.[175] Asia Times reported that PLAAF had prioritized deploying J-20s for airbases close to China's maritime border, and believed J-20's long combat range is well-suited for high-speed interceptions, strategic area defense, and long-range strike missions over the First- and Second-island chain.[112]

Summary of program milestones edit

The following is a table of significant milestones in the J-20 program history as gleaned from public sources and cited previously in the present article:

J-20 program milestone Date Public sources Notes
Precursor program (J-XX) late-1990s [19][20] Solicitation for competing 5th generation fighter designs from Chengdu Aerospace Corporation and Shenyang Aerospace Corporation
Program inception ~2008 [19][20] CAC's twin-engine design with canards (project 718) selected by PLA; 1st flight expected to occur in the 2010-2011 time frame with service entry by 2019[21]
First flight 11 January 2011 [1][2] ~15 minutes first flight made by prototype number "2002"
Low rate initial production ~December 2015 [152][29] J-20 design reportedly frozen after flight by prototype number "2017" in late 2015; first suspected LRIP airframe (number "2101") appeared by 12/2015
Initial operational capability ~2017–2018 [164][165][182][4] Entry into service and pilot training may have begun by March 2017 with initial combat exercises involving J-20s by January 2018
Active J-20s with domestic powerplant mid-2019 to mid-2021 [36][41] J-20s produced after mid-2019 may all use domestic WS-10C engines instead of Russian AL-31F engines; J-20s with WS-10C in active service by June 2021
100th airframe 2021–2022 [169][170][7] CAC announces mass production of J-20s in December 2021; US defense analysts estimate the number of produced and delivered J-20s to be at 50 to over 150 during the period from 2021 to mid-2022
200th airframe late 2022–2023 [8][159][177][178] Conservative western estimates place the number of J-20s in excess of 187 by the end of 2022 to early 2023; total number of airframes in excess of 200 was possible by late 2022 and all but certain by the end of 2023
Tests with intended powerplant 29 June 2023 [159][160][161] First flight of prototype number "2052", a J-20 variant sporting two WS-15 engines, the intended powerplant for the aircraft, and other enhancements
250th airframe ~end of 2023 [9] end of 2023 estimate by Netherland's Scramble magazine per its sources

Variants edit

J-20A edit

J-20A is the first production variant of the J-20 platform. Flight testing began with prototypes in late 2010, with maiden flight in 2011. The variant entered serial production in October 2017. J-20A was incorporated into training units of the People's Liberation Army Air Force in March 2017[98] and combat units in February 2018.[5]

J-20B edit

Improved J-20 variant with a slightly raised cockpit, enlarged spine, reshaped nosecone, modified engine intakes, and possibly WS-15 engines. Prototype #2051 was first spotted in December 2022.[200][201]

J-20S edit

The twin-seat variant of J-20, named J-20S, J-20AS or J-20B by defense analysts,[53] is a version of J-20 in development.[49] J-20S was first spotted in October 2021, taxiing inside a Chengdu Aircraft Corporation facility in yellow primer paint and untreated composite,[202][203] making it the first twin-seat stealth fighter in the world.[50][49]

The twin-seat design allows the possibility for the second operator to conduct airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) missions, which J-20 would leverage its avionics and networking capability to provide battlespace surveillance, battle management, and intelligence analysis. The stealth fighter could act as a more survivable and distributed alternative to traditional airborne warning and command post aircraft.[204] Another possibility is to coordinate attacks and reconnaissance missions from unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) linked via "loyal wingman" systems and sensors.[50][53][205] China is known to be developing various "loyal wingman" prototypes such as AVIC Dark Sword.[203] In addition to aircraft teaming, a twin-seat configuration may also provide marginal benefits in pilot training and strike missions.[50][203]

The advantage of a second operator includes the potential for better interpreting and exploiting the enormous sensory data, which could overload the limited cognitive and processing capacity of a single human.[50][53] The back-seater operator would focus on managing the manned or unmanned aircraft fleet, reducing the pilot's workload in a contested air combat environment.[203][206] With increased automation and artificial intelligence in the aircraft system, the two men crew would likely be able to delegate more complex AEW&C tasks, absorb information, and make tactical decisions.[204]

In August 2022, a Chinese defense publication suggested the twin-seat variant could be used as an electronic warfare platform.[207] In October 2022, Chinese media showcased the concept of the J-20 two-seater controlling stealth Hongdu GJ-11 unmanned combat aerial vehicle, and the back seat is designated for the weapons officer.[208][209] It could also potentially manage the LJ-1, a low-end modular drone platform.[210]

Strategic implications edit

Political edit

The first test flight coincided with a visit by United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to China, and was initially interpreted by the Pentagon as a possible signal to the visiting US delegation. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, secretary Gates said, "I asked President Hu about it directly, and he said that the test had absolutely nothing to do with my visit and there had been a pre-planned test."[211][212] Hu seemed surprised by Gates' inquiry.[213][214][215] Abraham M. Denmark of the Center for New American Security in Washington, along with Michael Swaine, an expert on the PLA and United States–China military relations, explained that senior officials are not involved in the day-to-day management of aircraft development and were unaware of the test.[212][90]

Military edit

Robert Gates downplayed the significance of the aircraft by questioning how stealthy the J-20 may be, but stated the J-20 would "put some of our capabilities at risk, and we have to pay attention to them, we have to respond appropriately with our own programs."[216] The U.S. Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper testified that the United States knew about the program for a long time and that the test flight was not a surprise.[217]

In 2011, Loren B. Thompson (Lexington Institute), echoed by a 2015 RAND Corporation report, felt that J-20's combination of forward stealth and long-range puts America's surface assets at risk and that a long-range maritime strike capability may cause the United States more concern than a short-range air-superiority fighter like the F-22.[218][219][220] In its 2011 Annual Report to Congress, the Pentagon described the J-20 as "a platform capable of long-range, penetrating strikes into complex air defense environments."[221] A 2012 report by the U.S.‐China Economic and Security Review Commission suggests that the United States may have underestimated the speed of development of the J-20 and several other Chinese military development projects.[222]

In the early 2010s, Western observers were not able to reach a consensus on the J-20's primary role or its specific capabilities. Experts and analysts called into question many of China's claims and stated it was considered a low observability aircraft but did not fall in the category of a true stealth aircraft based on U.S. Military standards.[223][224][225][226][227]

After the deployment announcement in 2018, several analysts noted that the experience that the PLAAF will gain with the J-20 would give China a significant edge over India, Japan, and South Korea, which have struggled to design and produce their own fifth-generation fighters on schedule.[14] However, despite the failure of their indigenous projects, Japan and South Korea would soon operate the imported F-35A in 2019 equipped with better situational awareness and jet propulsion technology, negating this potential technological disparity.[228][229] United States Marine Corps created a full-scale replica (FSR) of a Chengdu J-20 in December 2018. The replica was spotted parked outside the Air Dominance Center at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia. The United States Marine Corps later confirmed that the aircraft was built for training.[230]

By 2019, aviation researchers believed that the progress of J-20 signified that China had surpassed Russia in the application of contemporary aviation technologies such as composite materials, advanced avionics, and long-range weapons systems.[231][232] According to Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute, the J-20 is one of the examples of how China has transitioned from the dependency of Russian technology to developing indigenous sensors and weapons that are superior to those of Russia; and how China is beginning to build a clear lead over Russia in most aspects of combat aircraft development in the 2020s.[233] The J-20 also symbolizes that the Western Bloc is losing the monopoly on stealth fighter technologies.[234]

In March 2022, the United States Air Force (USAF) general Kenneth Wilsbach described J-20s were flying professionally and he is "relatively impressed" with the Chinese command and control structure and AEW&C capabilities after confirming two nations had an encounter in South China Sea.[197][235] In a separate comment, the general mentioned the E-3 Sentry AEW&C aircraft is insufficient for timely detection of the J-20s.[236] In another press conference, Wilsbach downplayed his earlier remarks, saying himself will not "lose sleep about the J-20", but added the United States should keep the innovation pace in the development of sixth-generation fighter technologies to "not lose sleep".[237][238] He later added that the United States knows China is on schedule for its 6th-generation fighter program.[239]

Defense media edit

Western sources contribute the idea that J-20 is optimized for anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) engagements, while Chinese sources universally describe J-20 as an air-superiority fighter meant to engage other fighters.[15] Rod Lee, research director at the China Aerospace Studies Institute of the Air University, believes J-20 is intended to be primarily used for destroying high-value airborne assets, which is an alternative way of establishing air superiority. Supplemental missions may include launching anti-radiation missiles and air-to-ground munitions. Rod Lee believes J-20 has the maneuverability to engage in air superiority combat with other aircraft, but PLAAF has de-emphasized the traditional attrition warfare while advocating the "systems destruction" approach because they believe it is more effective.[90]

Matthew Jouppi of Aviation Week noted the ill-informed assumptions that existed in defense circles and argued that the United States has not adequately addressed threats posed by the increasing Chinese airpower.[15]

The visual, physical configuration and stealth shaping have been mistakenly claimed to be influenced by foreign aircraft, including the F-22, F-35, F-117, Mig 1.44, Mig-31, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon, according to an opinion piece published in The Diplomat by Rick Joe, saying that "if the J-20 did enjoy any of the benefits of espionage in its development, the visible physical configuration and stealth shaping were unlikely to be the recipients of it". Instead, Joe adds that the J-20's external physical configuration is a logical development of Chengdu's previous canard-delta designs: the Chengdu J-9 - particularly the "twin tail, side intake, canard delta" J-9V-II - from the 1960s and 1970s, and the Chengdu J-10. Furthermore, Joe said that stealth shaping is a much more universal and consistent trait that leaves limited room for variety, and that future international designs will likely reflect this.[119]

Operators edit

  China

Specifications (J-20A) edit

 
Schematic of the J-20

Data from Tsinghua University[241][242]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one (pilot)
  • Length: 21.2 m (69 ft 7 in)
  • Wingspan: 13.01 m (42 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 4.69 m (15 ft 5 in)
  • Wing area: 73 m2 (790 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 17,000 kg (37,479 lb)
  • Gross weight: 25,000 kg (55,116 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 37,000 kg (81,571 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 12,000 kg (26,000 lb) internally
  • Powerplant: 2 × Shenyang WS-10C[36][41][243] afterburning turbofan, 142–147 kN (32,000–33,000 lbf) with afterburner[N 4]

Performance

  • Maximum speed: Mach 2.0[242]
  • Range: 5,500 km (3,400 mi, 3,000 nmi) with 2 external fuel tanks
  • Combat range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft)
  • g limits: +9/-3
  • Rate of climb: 304[10] m/s (59,800 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 340 kg/m2 (69 lb/sq ft)

Armament

Avionics

See also edit

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Notes edit

  1. ^ Chinese: 光电分布式孔径系统; pinyin: guāngdiàn fēnbùshì kǒngjìng xìtǒng; lit. 'photoelectrically distributed aperture system'
  2. ^ Sources differs on whether WS-10C supports limited or full supersonic cruise[100][101][102][103]
  3. ^ Some sources claimed the aircraft with open compartment doors was a new prototype, however, this is likely a confusion caused by repainted numbers or doctored photos.[28]
  4. ^ Early production batches were equipped with the Salyut AL-31FM2 with similar thrust rating.[98][104][108]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Page, Jeremy; Barnes, Julian E. (12 January 2011). "Chinese Stealth Fighter Makes First Test Flight". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 1 June 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e Wall, Robert. "J-20 Completes First Flight". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  3. ^ a b Chan, Minnie (10 March 2017). "China's J-20 stealth fighter joins the People's Liberation Army air force". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 10 March 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  4. ^ a b c "China's first stealth fighter J-20 enters service with Air Force". The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China. 13 March 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Dominguez, Gabriel (2 February 2018). "PLAAF inducts J-20 into combat units". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 2 December 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  6. ^ a b c "Chinese Stealth Fighter Unveiled?". Australian Aviation. 30 December 2010. Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
  7. ^ a b c Li, Xiaobing (1 August 2022). "The Dragon's Wing: The People's Liberation Army Air Force's Strategy". Air University. Archived from the original on 22 August 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d e Yeo, Mike (8 November 2022). "Zhuhai Airshow display reveals info on China's J-20, J-16 inventory". Defense News. Archived from the original on 10 November 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  9. ^ a b "J-20A Mighty Dragon production progress". 28 December 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Chengdu J-20 Multirole Stealth Fighter Aircraft". Air Force Technology. 20 April 2011. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  11. ^ Demerly, Tom (7 December 2018). "The Mystery Chinese Stealth Jet Seen at U.S. Base Is For Marine OPFOR Training". The Aviationist. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  12. ^ Pickrell, Ryan (10 December 2018). "The US military put a fake Chinese J-20 stealth fighter at a Georgia airbase". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 20 July 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  13. ^ "ODIN - OE Data Integration Network". odin.tradoc.army.mil. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  14. ^ a b c "Does China's J-20 rival other stealth fighters?". CHINA POWER PROJECT by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 15 February 2017. Archived from the original on 23 February 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Jouppi, Matthew (5 April 2021). "Face It: China's J-20 Is A Fifth-Generation Fighter". Aviation Weekly. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  16. ^ "中国空军选定下一代战机由611所方案胜出". War China (in Chinese). 5 November 2010. Archived from the original on 2 November 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  17. ^ Dominguez, Gabriel (1 August 2017). "China's J-20 fighter makes parade debut". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 28 May 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  18. ^ a b Seidel, Jamie (20 October 2017). "With the J20 stealth fighter in fully operation service, China leaps ahead in Asian arms race". Australian News. Archived from the original on 26 February 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  19. ^ a b c Erickson, Andrew; Lu, Hanlu; Bryan, Kathryn; Septembre, Samuel (2014). Research, Development, and Acquisition in China's Aviation Industry: The J-10 Fighter and Pterodactyl UAV. Annual Review of China's Defense Technology and Industrial Base. 7. University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation. p. 3. Archived from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  20. ^ a b c Wood, Peter; Stewart, Robert (26 September 2019). China's Aviation Industry: Lumbering Forward (PDF). United States Air Force Air University China Aerospace Studies Institute. p. 79. ISBN 9781082740404. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Chinese Fifth Generation Fighter Unveiled". SP's Aviation. 1 February 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015 – via HighBeam Research.
  22. ^ "Video: Chinese Stealth Fighter". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 10 January 2011.
  23. ^ Donald, David (18 May 2012). "Improved Chinese Stealth Fighter Nears First Flight". AIN Online. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  24. ^ a b Axe, David (16 May 2012). "China Flies New Stealth Fighter as Problems Plague U.S. Jets". WIRED. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  25. ^ a b c Cao, Feng (19 March 2014). "China Unveils More Capable Stealth Fighter Prototype". UNSI News. Archived from the original on 20 March 2014.
  26. ^ "J-20 sensors and mission avionics". PLA Realtalk. 30 December 2015.[permanent dead link]
  27. ^ a b Cenciotti, David (21 February 2014). "Upgraded, third prototype of China's stealth jet ready for maiden flight". The Aviationist. Archived from the original on 31 December 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  28. ^ a b Donald, David (27 February 2014). "Improved Chinese Stealth Fighter Nears First Flight". AIN Online. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  29. ^ a b c d e Joe, Rick (27 January 2016). "J-20 first LRIP airframe maiden flight (serial number 2101)". Archived from the original on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  30. ^ Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (28 December 2015). "Chinese Stealth Fighter J-20 Starts Production". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  31. ^ "Chinese J-20 Fighter, Y-20 Transport Aircraft Designs Finalized, Ready for Mass Production: Expert". Defense World. 12 November 2017. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017.
  32. ^ a b "China Plans New Versions Of J-20 Fighter". Aviation Week. 23 March 2018. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  33. ^ Tate, Andrew (18 January 2019). "China may be developing first two-seat stealth combat aircraft". Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 18 January 2019. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  34. ^ a b "Images show J-20 fighter fitted with new engines". Jane's Defence Weekly. 1 November 2019. Archived from the original on 5 December 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  35. ^ "Beijing celebrates new year with JF-17, J-20 progress". flight global. 2 January 2020. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "China's Enhanced J-20B Stealth Fighter May Arrive Soon, Here's What It Could Include". The Drive. 20 July 2020. Archived from the original on 14 September 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  37. ^ a b Chan, Minnie (12 July 2020). "China's stealth fighter goes into mass production after thrust upgrade". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 9 September 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  38. ^ a b "China's J-20B Stealth Jet, Upgraded With Thrust Vector Controls, Reportedly Enters Mass Production". Forbes. 13 July 2020. Archived from the original on 28 August 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  39. ^ Chan, Minnie (8 January 2021). "China's next-gen J-20 stealth fighter jettisons Russian engine in favour of home-grown technology". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  40. ^ Suciu, Peter (6 April 2021). "China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Has One Major Flaw". National Interest. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  41. ^ a b c d e "Chinese Media Confirms First J-20 Stealth Fighter Unit With New Engines Assigned to Northern Theatre Command". Military Watch Magazine. 20 June 2021. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  42. ^ a b c d Rupprecht, Andreas; Giovanzanti, Alessandra (29 September 2021). "Airshow China 2021: Chinese air force displays J-20A powered by domestic engines". Janes. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  43. ^ a b c Singh Bisht, Inder (13 January 2021). "Chinese to Replace Russian J-20 Fighter Engine with Domestic Version". The Defense Post. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  44. ^ Lendon, Brad (28 September 2021). "J-20A: China has upgraded its best stealth fighter jet with domestic-made engines". CNN. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  45. ^ Meier, Ricardo (28 September 2021). "China shows J-20A fighter with indigenous engines in Zhuhai". Air Data News. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  46. ^ Joe, Rick (16 October 2020). "Will China Roll out a Twin Seat J-20?". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  47. ^ Dominguez, Gabriel (12 January 2021). "AVIC releases CGI of twin-seat J-20 fighter aircraft". Janes. Archived from the original on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  48. ^ Wong, Dennis (2 February 2021). "Mighty Dragon: China's modified J-20 stealth fighter jet". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  49. ^ a b c Meier, Ricardo (27 October 2021). "First two-seat stealth fighter unveiled in China". Air Data News. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  50. ^ a b c d e f Cenciotti, David (27 October 2021). "Ladies And Gentlemen, Here's The World's First Two-Seat Stealth Fighter. And It's Chinese". The Aviationist. Archived from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  51. ^ Rupprecht, Andreas; Dominguez, Gabriel (28 October 2021). "Images emerge of two-seat J-20 prototype in yellow primer". Janes. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  52. ^ Waldron, Greg (28 October 2021). "Two-seat J-20 fighter breaks cover in Chengdu". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  53. ^ a b c d Rogoway, Tyler (26 October 2021). "This Is Our First Look At A Two-Seat Variant Of China's J-20 Stealth Fighter (Updated)". The Drive. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  54. ^ a b c d Trevithick, Joseph (29 June 2023). "China's J-20 Fighter With Long-Awaited WS-15 Engines May Have Flown". The Drive. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  55. ^ a b c d Chan, Minnie (15 March 2022). "China's J-20 stealth fighters are getting an engine upgrade, source says". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 13 April 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  56. ^ a b Chan, Minnie (19 December 2022). "Is China's W-15 engine to power J-20 stealth fighter jet nearing completion?". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  57. ^ a b Newdick, Thomas (23 December 2022). "This Could Be Our First Glimpse Of China's Enhanced J-20 Stealth Fighter". The Drive. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  58. ^ a b Vinholes, Thiago (27 December 2022). "Alleged new variant of Chinese J-20 stealth fighter emerges". Air Data News. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  59. ^ a b Kadidal, Akhil; Narayanan, Prasobh (7 April 2023). "Chinese WS-15 engine prepared for mass production". Janes. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  60. ^ Chen, Chuanren (27 March 2023). "China Seeks Superalloys, Supply Chain Boost For Military Engines". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  61. ^ Waldron, Greg (27 March 2023). "Chinese executive hints at progress with J-20's new WS-15 engine". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  62. ^ a b "China May Have Flown J-20 With Domestic WS-15 Engines". Aviation Week. 30 June 2023. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  63. ^ A. Tirpak, John (24 October 2023). "Pentagon: China Working on Upgrades to Top Stealth Fighter, Manned-Unmanned Teaming". Air Force Magazine.
  64. ^ a b Kopp, Carlo; Goon, Peter (1 January 2011). "Chengdu J-XX Stealth Fighter Prototype". Air Power Australia: 1. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  65. ^ Worldview Report. digitalglobe.com (Report). Vol. 14. 2 January 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013.
  66. ^ a b "一种小展弦比高升力飞机的气动布局研究 A High Lift Low-Aspect Ratio Aerodynamic Configuration" Archived 27 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine sina.com Retrieved 20 March 2013
  67. ^ a b "Translation of article 一种小展弦比高升力飞机的气动布局研究" [1] Retrieved 20 March 2013
  68. ^ "Super Agile aircraft and method of flying it in supernormal flight." Archived 16 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Google Patents. Retrieved 20 March 2013
  69. ^ Probert, B. "Aspects of Wing Design for Transonic and Supersonic Combat." Archived 17 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine NATO. Retrieved: 23 January 2011.
  70. ^ Neblett, Evan et al. "Canards." Archived 27 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine AOE 4124: Configuration Aerodynamics, Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech, 17 March 2003. Retrieved: 28 November 2009.
  71. ^ "一种小展弦比高升力飞机的气动布局研究 A High Lift Low-Aspect Ratio Aerodynamic Configuration" Archived 6 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine baidu.com Retrieved 20 March 2013
  72. ^ "Stealth Radar Tests on Passenger Jet". Popular Science. 9 June 2014. Archived from the original on 14 September 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  73. ^ Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. "The J-11D Surprise: China Upgrades Russian Flanker Fighters on Its Own". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  74. ^ "深度：歼20雷达获突破功率比F22高50% 探测范围更远". Sina News (in Chinese). 31 May 2016. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  75. ^ "Stealthy Chengdu J-20 Fighters Reveal Groundbreaking New Capabilities; Distributed Aperture System and Universal Water Activated Release System Integrated Onto Elite Chinese Jets". Military Watch Magazine. 22 February 2019. Archived from the original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  76. ^ a b c Trimble, Stephen (26 August 2015). "MAKS: Chinese firm unveils new sensors for J-20, J-31". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  77. ^ a b c Rogoway, Tyler (31 July 2018). "High-Quality Shots Of Unpainted Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter Offer New Capability Insights". The Drive. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  78. ^ Lockie, Alex (12 December 2017). "3D model of China's first stealth fighter reveals its greatest strengths and weaknesses". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  79. ^ "Not so hidden dragon – China's J-20 assessed". Royal Aeronautical Society. 1 June 2012. Archived from the original on 5 April 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  80. ^ "Photo: China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Head-On". Defense Tech. 1 June 2012. Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  81. ^ Diaz, Jesus (4 June 2012). "Is China Stealing America's Top Stealth Fighter Jet Secrets?". GIZMODO Australia. Archived from the original on 21 November 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  82. ^ "荔枝军事：歼-20的"眼睛"苏州造" [J-20's "window", made in Jiangsu]. Jiangsu Television (in Chinese). 4 November 2016. Archived from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  83. ^ a b Rogoway, Tyler (11 November 2018). "China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Stuns By Brandishing Full Load of Missiles at Zhuhai Air Show". The Drive. Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  84. ^ Makichuk, Dave (29 June 2020). "China's J-20 fighter carries a belly full of hurt". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  85. ^ a b Kopp, Carlo; Andrew, Martin (27 January 2014). "Luoyang/CASC LS-6 Satellite Aided Inertially Guided Bomb Family". Air Power Australia: 1. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  86. ^ Hsu, Brian (5 April 2013). "China claims innovation in J-20 weapons bay design". AIN online. Archived from the original on 15 October 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  87. ^ Sweetman, Bill (3 November 2014). "J-20 Stealth Fighter Design Balances Speed And Agility". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Archived from the original on 5 November 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  88. ^ Lockie, Alex (22 January 2019). "China's J-20 stealth fighter has no cannon — and it shows the jet can't dogfight with the US". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  89. ^ Axe, David (3 January 2019). "Problem: China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Doesn't Have a Gun". The National Interest. Archived from the original on 21 May 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  90. ^ a b c d e f g Waldron, Greg (28 December 2020). "China's enigmatic J-20 powers up for its second decade". flightglobal. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  91. ^ Rogoway, Tyler (22 February 2017). "China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Photographed Toting Massive External Fuel Tanks". The Drive. Archived from the original on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  92. ^ "Modelling After the Raptor? Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter Seen with External Fuel Tanks for Enhanced Ferrying Range". The Military Watch Magazine. 6 July 2018. Archived from the original on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  93. ^ "China shows J-20 jet's missiles for the first time at airshow: Global Times". Reuters. 11 November 2018. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  94. ^ A. Tirpak, John (23 October 2023). "Pentagon: China Working on Upgrades to Top Stealth Fighter, Manned-Unmanned Teaming". Air Force Magazine.
  95. ^ Barrie, Douglas (24 April 2020). "Air-launched missiles: a low-observable numbers game". International Institute for Strategic Studies.
  96. ^ a b Kucinski, William (7 November 2018). "J-10B fighter aircraft debuts Chinese thrust vectoring technology". Archived from the original on 20 July 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  97. ^ a b Chan, Minnie (10 February 2018). "Why China's first stealth fighter was rushed into service with inferior engines". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  98. ^ a b c d e f Joe, Rick (16 August 2019). "China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Today and Into the 2020s". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  99. ^ a b Chan, Minnie (20 January 2022). "China to start upgrading J-20 fighter engines in bid to close gap with US F-22". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  100. ^ a b Makichuk, Dave (2 October 2021). "J-20 stealth fighter thrills crowds at Airshow China". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  101. ^ a b Singh Bisht, Inder (30 September 2021). "Chinese J-20 Aircraft Receives Upgraded Domestic Engine". The Defense Post. Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  102. ^ a b c "China's J-20 is Now the World's Only Supercruising Stealth Fighter in Production: Which Others Could Follow?". Military Watch Magazine. 23 October 2022. Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  103. ^ Johnson, Reuben (18 July 2023). "China's J-20 fighter seems to have a new homegrown engine, after years of struggle". Breaking Defense.
  104. ^ a b "Pulaski Policy Paper No 6, 2018. 27 April 2018". 27 April 2018. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  105. ^ "AL-31F M2 engine contemplated by OKB Sukhogo (Sukhoi Design Bureau)". Salut. 12 March 2012. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  106. ^ Singh Bisht, Inder (13 January 2021). "Chinese to Replace Russian J-20 Fighter Engine with Domestic Version". The Defense Post. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  107. ^ a b c d Chan, Minnie (8 January 2021). "China's next-gen J-20 stealth fighter jettisons Russian engine in favour of home-grown technology". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 18 April 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  108. ^ a b Chan, Minnie (10 January 2021). "China wants to modify the engines on its J-20 stealth fighter to match the US's F-22". Business Insider. South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  109. ^ Waldron, Greg (17 December 2020). "Chinese airpower reaches for the big leagues in 2021". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 11 October 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  110. ^ China Aerospace Propulsion Technology Summit (PDF), Galleon (Shanghai) Consulting, 2012, p. 2, archived from the original (PDF) on 8 December 2013, retrieved 28 May 2015
  111. ^ a b Waldron, Greg (4 July 2023). "China's J-20 may have flown with new WS-15 engine". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 4 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  112. ^ a b Honrada, Gabriel (1 July 2023). "China's J-20 to fly game-changing homemade engines". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  113. ^ "China's New WS-15 Jet Engine Finally Enters Serial Production: How Will it Supercharge J-20 Stealth Fighters?". Military Watch Magazine. 27 March 2023. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  114. ^ Pickrell, Ryan (15 November 2018). "China's most advanced stealth fighter may now be able to strike targets at greater distances than ever". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  115. ^ Sweetman, William (3 January 2011). "China's J-20 Stealth Fighter in Taxi Tests". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 20 November 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  116. ^ a b c Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (18 March 2019), "Stealthier stealth: seventh upgraded Chinese stealth fighter prototype aims to take flight", Popular Science, archived from the original on 22 September 2022, retrieved 11 October 2015.
  117. ^ Axe, David (29 December 2020). "Chengdu J-20: China's First Stealth Fighter". Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. warisboring.com, 29 December 2010.
  118. ^ a b Axe, David. "China's Latest Stealth Fighter Prototype Has, Well, Actual Stealth Features". medium.com. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  119. ^ a b c Joe, Rick (11 January 2021). "J-20: The Stealth Fighter That Changed PLA Watching Forever". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 18 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  120. ^ Waldron, Greg. "Long March: China's fifth-generation fighter is years away." Archived 7 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine Flight International. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
  121. ^ Hodge, Nathan (19 January 2011). "China's J-20 Fighter: Stealthy or Just Stealthy-Looking?". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 10 December 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  122. ^ "F-23A & NATF-23" Archived 27 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine yf-23.net, 15 January 2013
  123. ^ "NATF-23 diagram in hi-rez." Archived 24 October 2022 at the Wayback Machine Aerospace Project Review 15 January 2013.
  124. ^ Sweetman, Bill. "From JAST To J-20". Aviation Week, 14 January 2011.
  125. ^ Sweetman 2005, p. 122–124.
  126. ^ "Agility+Stealth = X-36: formula for an advanced fighter " Archived 23 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine Design News. 14 January 2013
  127. ^ "Faq Eurofighter (translation)" Archived 15 August 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 29 November 2009.
  128. ^ Rosenkranz, Martin. "Austrian Eurofighter committee of inquiry." Archived 27 February 2021 at the Wayback Machine pp. 76–77. (English translation). Google. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  129. ^ 郭展智, 陈颖闻 (28 November 2019). "Radar cross-section effect of canard". Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica. 41 (6): 523485. doi:10.7527/S1000-6893.2019.23485. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  130. ^ Hehs, Eric. "JSF Diverterless Supersonic Inlet." Archived 29 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine LockMart, 15 July 2000.
  131. ^ "J-20's Stealth Signature Poses Interesting Unknowns". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 15 May 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  132. ^ "J-20 shows retractable Luneburg lens". China-Arms. 26 September 2021. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  133. ^ Roblin, Sebastien (16 May 2019). "India Claims It Can Track China's New J-20 Stealth Fighter". The National Interest. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  134. ^ IAF's Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs can detect and track Chinese Chengdu J-20 stealth fighters Archived 9 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Zee News
  135. ^ a b Lockie, Alex (29 May 2016). "China's J-20 stealth jet has taken to the skies – but India says its fighters can spot it easily". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 31 May 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  136. ^ "Stealth Fight: Why We Could Soon See China's J-20 and Russia's Su-57 in Mock Air Battles". Military Watch Magazine. 30 January 2022. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  137. ^ Hollings, Alex (6 December 2020). "Su-57 Vs. J-20: What the Competition Tells Us About America's New Fighter". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. [W]hile there remains some debate about how stealth China's J-20 truly is, it is still believed to be more difficult to detect than its Russian competition...The J-20's front canards were initially thought to be a detriment to the aircraft's stealth profile, but computer modeling would seem to suggest that the J-20 is likely extremely difficult to detect when approaching head-on and could further improve its stealth profile as the program matures.
  138. ^ Rogoway, Tyler (30 April 2018). "No, The Su-57 Isn't 'Junk:' Six Features We like On Russia's New Fighter". The Drive. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  139. ^ "Chinese J-20 Fighter First Flight Ceremony". AirForceWorld.com (in Chinese). 11 January 2011. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  140. ^ "China stealth fighter "appears" to have made second flight". Reuters. Archived from the original on 25 April 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  141. ^ "Chinese J-20 stealth fighter makes third flight; landing gears folded". China Defence Mashup. 5 May 2011. Archived from the original on 9 May 2011.
  142. ^ "Video: J-20 Combat Maneuver Tests". YouTube. 26 February 2012. Archived from the original on 21 July 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  143. ^ Lee, Eloise; Johnson, Robert (9 March 2012). "China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Is Already Doing A Whole Lot More Than Anyone Expected". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  144. ^ "Video: J-20 Prototype 2002 Ground Tests." Archived 4 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine YouTube. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  145. ^ "This might be China's third J-20 stealth fighter". Foreign Policy. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  146. ^ Cenciotti, David (26 March 2013). "China's new stealth fighter's missile launch rails prove Beijing can improve U.S. technology". The Aviationist. Archived from the original on 17 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  147. ^ "J-20 Prototype 2011 Taxi Test." Archived 8 September 2016 at the Wayback Machine Youtube. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  148. ^ Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (17 July 2014). "Photos Emerge of China's 4th New Stealth Fighter". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  149. ^ D. Fisher Jr, Richard (29 July 2014). "Fourth known J-20 prototype makes first flight". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 3 August 2014.
  150. ^ a b Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (23 December 2014). "6th J-20 Stealth Fighter Rolls Out, More to Soon Follow". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  151. ^ Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (1 December 2015). "China Is Building The World's Second Stealth Air Force". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  152. ^ a b "Mil", News, Sina, 25 November 2015, archived from the original on 25 November 2015, retrieved 25 November 2015
  153. ^ Johnson, Reuben F. (16 March 2017). "Chengdu J-20 has 'entered service', claims Chinese media". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  154. ^ Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (9 September 2017). "China's stealth fighter may be getting a new engine". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 10 April 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  155. ^ Chan, Minnie (5 September 2018). "China 'nearing mass production' of J-20 stealth fighter after engine problems ironed out". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  156. ^ Salerno-Garthwaite, Andrew (14 September 2022). "J-20 Chengdu: Mighty Dragon in the heart of China's military modernisation". Air Force Technology. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  157. ^ Waldron, Greg (8 November 2021). "Pentagon sees continued Chinese progress with J-15, J-20". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  158. ^ Waldron, Greg (17 November 2021). "J-20 two-seater in flight testing; more Y-20U tanker sightings". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  159. ^ a b c d e f g h Joe, Rick (1 August 2023). "China's J-20 Gets Another Upgrade". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  160. ^ a b Kadidal, Akhil (3 July 2023). "New CAC J-20 potentially powered by WS-15 engines". Janes. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  161. ^ a b McFadden, Christopher (5 July 2023). "Footage surfaces of China testing a J-20 with twin WS-15 engines to rival the US". Interesting Engineering. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  162. ^ Chan, Minnie (5 July 2023). "China puts advanced WS-15 engines through J-20 stealth fighter paces". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  163. ^ Tiezzi, Shannon (30 December 2015). "China's First Stealth Fighter Is About to Enter Production". Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  164. ^ a b Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (13 July 2016). "Four in a Row: China's Stealth Fighter Fleet Grows Again". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  165. ^ a b F. Johnson, Reuben (26 October 2017). "China's J-20 fifth-gen fighter moves into series production". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017.
  166. ^ Gady, Franz-Stefan (31 October 2017). "China's First 5th Generation Fighter Moves into Serial Production". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 10 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  167. ^ Leone, Dario (11 October 2021). "J-20 Mighty Dragon production likely to ramp up as China aims to have more stealth fighters than US by 2025". The Aviation Geek Club. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  168. ^ Kim Lieser, Ethen (14 October 2021). "China Expected to Ramp Up Production of J-20 'Mighty Dragon' Jets". National Interest. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  169. ^ a b "China's Chengdu Aerospace Has Begun Full Scale Mass Production of J-20 Stealth Fighters". Military Watch Magazine. 16 December 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  170. ^ a b c d e Solen, Derek (January 2022). "Third Combat Brigade of PLA Air Force Likely Receives Stealth Fighters" (PDF). United States Air Force Air University. China Aerospace Studies Institute. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  171. ^ Chan, Minnie (1 July 2021). "China's J-20 'Mighty Dragons' take starring role in aerial display for Communist Party centenary celebrations". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  172. ^ "U.S. Sources Claim China Could Have Over 150 J-20 Stealth Fighters in Service as Production Expands — Is It Possible?". Military Watch Magazine. 12 October 2021. Archived from the original on 20 April 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  173. ^ a b "China Deploys Eighth Brigade of J-20 Stealth Fighters as Mass Production Stimulates Mass Conversion". Military Watch Magazine. 29 August 2022. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  174. ^ a b "Ninth Chinese Air Brigade Receives J-20 Fifth Generation Fighters - Reports". Military Watch Magazine. 29 August 2022. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  175. ^ a b c "Tenth Chinese Air Brigade Receives J-20 Next Generation Fighters: What a New Base Near Hainan Island Signifies". Military Watch Magazine. 5 June 2023. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  176. ^ a b c d "China's Air Force Surges J-20 Stealth Fighter Acquisitions to 120+ Annually: USAF Receiving Just 48 F-35s". Military Watch Magazine. 20 July 2023. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  177. ^ a b Meier, Ricardo (13 November 2022). "China with at least 200 operational J-20 stealth fighter jets". Air Data News. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  178. ^ a b Moriyasu, Ken (15 February 2023). "China's stealth fighter inventory set to eclipse America's F-22s". Nikkei Asia.
  179. ^ Chan, Minnie (27 November 2022). "World-class production lines speed up deliveries of China's J-20 stealth jet fighter". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  180. ^ Tamim, Baba (27 November 2022). "China accelerates 'Mighty Dragon' stealth fighters' production to counterbalance US supremacy". Interesting Engineering. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  181. ^ Wang, Brian (16 December 2018). "China inducting J20 stealth fighters into air force as active service planes". Next Big Future. Archived from the original on 9 August 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  182. ^ a b c d Dominguez, Gabriel (15 January 2018). "China's J-20 fighter aircraft takes part in its first combat exercise, says report". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  183. ^ Zhao, Lei (12 January 2018). "J-20 fighter takes part in first combat exercises". China Daily. Archived from the original on 28 May 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  184. ^ Panyue, Huang (1 June 2018). "J-20 stealth fighter jets conduct night confrontation training". Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  185. ^ Dominguez, Gabriel (10 May 2018). "PLA airborne troops conduct first exercise with Y-20 transport aircraft". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 28 May 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  186. ^ Liu, Zhen (14 April 2022). "China's 'Mighty Dragon' stealth fighter stretches its wings over a wider area". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  187. ^ Kadidal, Akhil; Kalra, Amit (18 April 2022). "Update: J-20 fighters start patrols in East, South China Seas". Janes. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  188. ^ Leone, Dario (March 2023). "China's J-20 Mighty Dragon acts as mock F-35 Lightning II during air defense exercise". The Aviation Geek Club. Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  189. ^ Lin, Jeffrey; W. Singer, P. (19 December 2016). "Did China's first stealth fighter unit just go operational?". Popular Science. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  190. ^ "编号78272：第二架五位数编号歼-20曝光 部署沧州". Phoenix News Media. 12 December 2016. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  191. ^ The International Institute for Strategic Studies, (IISS) (2018). The Military Balance. London: Routledge. p. 5. ISBN 978-1-85743-955-7.
  192. ^ Rupprecht, Andreas (1 August 2019). "Image confirms J-20 fighter assigned to PLAAF combat unit at Wuhu". Janes. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  193. ^ "China's navy 'set to pick J-20 stealth jets for its next-generation carriers'". South China Morning Post. 27 August 2019. Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  194. ^ Chan, Minnie (26 June 2021). "China deploys J-20 stealth fighter jets to units monitoring Taiwan Strait". Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  195. ^ a b "All Chinese Theatre Commands Now Deploy J-20 Fighters: New Stealth Air Brigade Confirmed as Fleet Growth Accelerates". Military Watch Magazine. 20 April 2022. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  196. ^ Lau, Jack (28 September 2022). "China's stealth fighter jets now seeing duty in all 5 theatre commands". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  197. ^ a b Waldron, Greg (16 March 2022). "F-35s have encountered J-20s over East China Sea: USAF general". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  198. ^ Honrada, Gabriel (16 April 2022). "China's J-20 fighters begin South China Sea patrols". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 7 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  199. ^ a b c "Seven Chinese Air Brigades Now Deploy J-20 Stealth Fighters: Where Are They and Why Were They Chosen?". Military Watch Magazine. 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  200. ^ "This Could be Our First Glimpse of China's Enhanced J-20 Stealth Fighter". 23 December 2022. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  201. ^ "Alleged new variant of Chinese J-20 stealth fighter emerges". 27 December 2022. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  202. ^ Arthur, Gordon (29 October 2021). "China's long-awaited twin-seat J-20 emerges". Shephard Media. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  203. ^ a b c d A. Tirpak, John (28 October 2021). "China's New Two-Seat J-20: Trainer or Manned-Unmanned Teaming Platform?". Air Force Magazine. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  204. ^ a b Joe, Rick (23 November 2021). "Reviewing China's New Stealth Fighters". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  205. ^ Huang, Kristin (20 November 2021). "China's military looks to J-20 jet-drone match-up for combat edge". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  206. ^ Huang, Kristin (27 April 2021). "Why two heads would be better than one for China's 'Mighty Dragon' fighter jet". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  207. ^ Huang, Kristin (1 November 2022). "Could China's twin-seat stealth fighter become a weapon in information warfare?". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  208. ^ Chan, Minnie (20 October 2022). "Drones to become 'loyal wingmen' for China's advanced J-20 stealth fighter jets, state media reports". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  209. ^ Meier, Ricardo (12 October 2022). "Chinese two-seat J-20 fighter jet controlling three GJ-11 stealth drones". Air Data News. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  210. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (18 October 2022). "H-6K large missile carrier aircraft as launch platforms for LJ-1 drones". The Drive. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  211. ^ Erickson, Andrew; Collins, Gabe (17 January 2011). "China's New J-20 Fighter: Development Outlook and Strategic Implications". Andrew Erickson. Archived from the original on 22 January 2011. Retrieved 23 January 2011. China plans to have at least 500 to 700 J-20 fighter jet before 2035 to challenge USA's F-35.
  212. ^ a b Wines, Michael; Bumiller, Elisabeth (12 January 2011). "Test Unrelated to Gates Visit, China Says". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 17 May 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
  213. ^ Barnes, Julian E. (12 January 2011). "Gates, China Discuss Nuclear Strategy". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
  214. ^ Stewart, Phil (11 January 2011). "Gates: China confirms stealth jet test-flight". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 January 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  215. ^ Bumiller, Elisabeth; Wines, Michael (11 January 2011). "Test of Stealth Fighter Clouds Gates Visit to China". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
  216. ^ Bumiller, Elisabeth (8 January 2011). "U.S. Will Counter Chinese Arms Buildup". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 17 April 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
  217. ^ R. Clapper, James (10 February 2011). "World Wide Threats Hearing". Director of National Intelligence. Archived from the original on 3 February 2011.
  218. ^ Majumdar, Dave (13 February 2011). "J-20 a 'wake-up call,' former intel chief says". AirForce Times.[permanent dead link]
  219. ^ B. Thompson, Loren (13 January 2011). "Chinese Fighter Test Embarrasses Gates, Casts Doubt On Goals". Lexington Institute. Archived from the original on 21 January 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  220. ^ Heath, Timothy R.; Gunness, Kristen (17 March 2018). Understanding China's Strategy (Report). RAND Corporation. Archived from the original on 15 March 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  221. ^ Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China, 2011 (PDF) (Report). Office of the Secretary of Defense. 6 May 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  222. ^ Indigenous Weapons Development in China's Military Modernization (PDF). U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission Staff Research Report (Report). 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 April 2012.
  223. ^ Gresham, John D. (1 February 2011). "J-20 Assessment: Not So Fast!". Defense Media Network. Faircount Media Group. Archived from the original on 1 March 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  224. ^ Cole, J. Michael (6 August 2012). "China Developing a 2nd Stealth Fighter?". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 11 October 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  225. ^ Majumdar, Dave (10 September 2015). "America's F-22 Raptor vs. China's Stealth J-20: Who Wins?". The National Interest. Center for The National Interest. Archived from the original on 10 October 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  226. ^ Kopp, Carlo (9 January 2011). "The Strategic Impact of China's J-XX Stealth Fighter". Air Power Australia. Archived from the original on 8 September 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
  227. ^ Majumdar, Dave (9 June 2014). "The U.S. Navy's Secret Counter-Stealth Weapon Could Be Hiding in Plain Sight". news.usni.org. U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE. Archived from the original on 30 January 2017. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  228. ^ Wong, Wilson (1 June 2019). "Japan's F-35 Acquisition and the Arms Race in the Western Pacific: Strategic Game Changer or Epic Boondoggle?". APJJF. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  229. ^ Jung, Da-min (29 March 2019). "Korea's first stealth fighter jets arrive". Korea Times. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019.
  230. ^ Lockie, Alex (2 January 2019). "U.S. Interest Grows as More J-20 Details Emerge". AINonline. Archived from the original on 26 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  231. ^ Ait, Abraham (5 April 2019). "Does Russian Military Aviation Have Anything Left to Offer China?". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 26 October 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  232. ^ Waldron, Greg (10 November 2020). "China surpassing Russia in airpower technology: RUSI". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  233. ^ Roblin, Sebastien (10 November 2020). "Why China's Latest Jets Are Surpassing Russia's Top Fighters". Forbes. Archived from the original on 26 October 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  234. ^ "Airstrikes By China's J-20 Stealth Fighters Were Major Highlight of Zapad 2021 Drills — First Ever Deployment Alongside Foreign Forces". Military Watch Magazine. 14 August 2021. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  235. ^ Chan, Minnie (18 March 2022). "US F-35 and Chinese J-20 fighter jets had close encounter over East China Sea: US general". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  236. ^ Waldron, Greg (17 March 2022). "E-3 insufficient for timely detection of J-20: Pacific Air Forces chief". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  237. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (23 September 2022). "Air Force Generals Aren't "Losing Sleep" Over China's J-20 Stealth Fighter". The Drive. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  238. ^ Honrada, Gabriel (1 October 2022). "China racing for 6th-gen fighter edge over US". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 7 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  239. ^ Newdick, Thomas (28 September 2022). "China Is Working On Its Own Sixth-Generation Fighter Program: Official". The Drive. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  240. ^ Solen, Derek (May 2021). "Second Combat Brigade of PRC Air Force Likely Receives Stealth Fighter" (PDF). United States Air Force Air University. China Aerospace Studies Institute. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  241. ^ "歼-20隐形战斗机". tsinghua university national defense. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  242. ^ a b 环球网. "歼20性能数据首次披露：最大飞行速度2马赫". 新华网. Archived from the original on 29 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  243. ^ Hunter, Jamie (20 July 2020). "China's Enhanced J-20B Stealth Fighter May Arrive Soon, Here's What It Could Include". The Drive. Archived from the original on 14 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  244. ^ Hsu, Brian. "China Claims Innovation in J-20 Weapons Bay Design | Aviation International News". Ainonline.com. Archived from the original on 14 September 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  245. ^ a b "Chengdu J-20 Multirole Stealth Fighter Aircraft". Air Force Technology. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2018.

Sources edit

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chengdu J-20.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chengdu_J-20&oldid=1217950980"