Chengdu J-20

Chengdu J-20
Stealthy multi-role fighter




The new Chinese J-20 fifth-generation fighter was designed to compete against other US and Russian designs

Entered service ?
Crew 1 men
Dimensions and weight
Length ~ 23 m
Wing span ~ 14 m
Height ~ 6 m
Weight (empty) ?
Weight (maximum take off) 34 ~ 36 t
Engines and performance
Engines 2 x?
Traction (dry / with afterburning) ?
Maximum speed ~ 2 700 km/h
Service ceiling ~ 20 km
Range ~ 4 500 km
Armament
Cannon ?
Missiles ?
Bombs ?

Photos of the new Chinese J-20 stealthy multi-role aircraft appeared in 2010. It was designed to compete against other fifth-generation fighters, such as the US F-22 Raptor and Russian PAK-FA. However some sources suggest, that this aircraft is not a fighter but a tactical bomber. It is speculated, that development of the J-20 was assisted by the Russian MiG aviation company. After collapse of the Soviet Union this aviation giant suffered from loss of orders and uncertain future.

It is quiet unusual that photos of this aircraft came out even before the first flight, considering that all Chinese military programs are kept in high secrecy. If it will enter production, the J-20 might be operational with Chinese air force by 2017-2019. As of 2012 a total of 4 J-20 aircraft were built.

The new J-20 has a canard-delta configuration, blended fuselage with low radar cross-section, and large canted twin tails. This aircraft is capable of high speed. Externally it is broadly similar to the cancelled Russian MiG 1.42 multi-role fighter. The MiG 1.42 demonstrator was revealed in 1999. It made it's first flight in 2001, however the program was suspended due to funding problems.

It seems that the new J-20 has a large internal weapon bay to reduce radar cross-section, and large fuel tanks for long-range missions. It carries more fuel and weapons than the American F-22 Raptor.

It is unknown what engine this new stealthy aircraft is using right now, or which engine will be used on production model. Some sources claim, that it's engine might be of a Russian origin. These might be the AL-31 turbofan engines, originally developed for the Soviet Su-27 air superiority fighter. It is worth mentioning, that one area, where China is particularly weak is jet engines. It is speculated that China may be as much as 10 years away from producing original indigenous engine for their stealth aircraft.

It seems, that J-20 is not the only fifth-generation aircraft program, that is running in the Chinese aviation industry. In 2012 China revealed another stealthy aircraft - the J-31.