Summary and Key Points: Chinese pilot Chen Liu, experienced in flying various fighter jets, shared insights on operating the fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon in a state-run media interview.
-Chen highlighted the J-20’s advanced avionics and data-processing capabilities, comparing them favorably to the older J-10. While he found the J-20's weapon systems challenging, he praised the aircraft overall. China, currently producing one J-20 per month, has around 150 in service.
-The public interview indicates the People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF) confidence in the J-20 program, urging the U.S. to prepare for potential conflicts involving the J-20.
China's J-20 Pilot Shares Insights on Flying the Mighty Dragon
Roughly two years ago, a pilot from China who had flown at least three different fighter planes revealed that he was learning from his flights in aJ-10to be able to operate a stealth fifth-generation ChengduJ-20Mighty Dragon.
Chen Liu, who is seemingly one of China’s best pilots judging from his record with other airplanes, told state-run media in a recent interview that the J-20 can sometimes be a handful due to its robust weapon systems.
Still, overall, his review of the Mighty Dragon is positive with few complaints. The J-20 is China’s version of the AmericanF-35orF-22and is lauded as Beijing’s best fighter.
China Is Going Public With J-20 Flight
TheEurAsian Times translatedan interview with Chen from CCTV that wasposted on YouTubeseveral years ago. Aside from dealing with munitions, he said the avionics of the newer J-20 makes it easier to fly than the J-10. TheJ-10is a fourth-generation People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) fighter whose origins date back to 1988. It entered service in 2004. TheJ-10is considered the “backbone” of the PLAAF.
J-20 Pilots Must Rapidly Deal with Incoming Data
Chen mentioned that the J-20 can vacuum up a “vast amount of data – something similar to the F-35 – which is then processed before being relayed to the pilot.” He stated that the J-10’s single-seat configuration prepared him well for the single-seat of the J-20 since pilots are expected to quickly process all the information that is displayed in the co*ckpit of the latest warplane.
No Flight Problems Except for Challenging Operations of Weapons
Chen said that he “had no problems when he first began flying the J-20, he mentioned that the aircraft is difficult to master because of its sophisticated weapon system.” The munitions in the J-20 are in internal weapons bays and they are believed to carry “four to six long-range missiles or bombs,”according to the National Interest. The defense magazine goes on to describe the multi-mission role of the J-20, “observers mostly speculate the J-20 would either serve as long-range supersonic strike plane, or a hit-and-run interceptor used to slip past fighter screens and take out vulnerable supporting tanker and AWACS planes.”
They’re Making Them Fast
If other PLAAF pilots are having similar success flying the J-20 this bodes well for China. The country may have as many as 150 J-20s in service and the manufacturing lines are still running. The PLAAF may be getting one J-20 every month, and these are similar in capability to American F-35 and F-22 fifth-generation fighters. This is because Chinalikely stoledesign plans from the United States.
The J-20 can speed along at almost MACH 2, and it has a ceiling of around 60,000 feet with a range of 1,200 to 2,000 miles (we note that range estimates are varied based on sourcing).
Time to Deal with the Reality of the J-20
Interestingly, the PLAAF is willing to let a pilot be interviewed in a national media outlet about the J-20, whichChinais usually tight-lipped about. This means the PLAAF has confidence in the program and is happy to see the United States and its East Asian allies sweat about the J-20 capabilities.
It’s time for the U.S. military to quit squawking about stolen designs. What’s done is done. The Pentagon should now plan for potential scenarios in which an F-22 or F-35 would get in a dogfight with the J-20 in a potential conflict with China. The Mighty Dragon is a reality, and more are on the way.
About the Author
Dr. Brent M. Eastwoodis the author of Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare. He is an Emerging Threats expert and former U.S. Army Infantry officer. You can follow him on Twitter @BMEastwood. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Foreign Policy/ International Relations.
All images are Creative Commons.
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FAQs
Chen said that he “had no problems when he first began flying the J-20, he mentioned that the aircraft is difficult to master because of its sophisticated weapon system.” The munitions in the J-20 are in internal weapons bays and they are believed to carry “four to six long-range missiles or bombs,” according to the ...
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Is the Chinese J-20 better than the F-35? ›
Bottom Line. The J-20 is faster than the F-35 but the Lightning II has lower radar cross-section. The J-20 does not have a cannon which could mean that designers were not envisioning it as a dogfighting machine. The F-35 is lighter, which may give it an edge in aerial combat.
What is the problem with the J-20 engine? ›
In 2015, one of these Chinese-made engines exploded, suggesting quality control issues affecting its single-crystal-turbine blades. Essentially, these blades have not been able to withstand the higher temperatures and maneuverability associated with the J-20.
What is the difference between the Chinese J-20 and the F 22? ›
-The J-20 has a longer range and slightly better thrust and speed, while the F-22 excels in payload capacity and proven performance. -The J-20's newer technology offers potential, but the F-22 remains a formidable air superiority fighter with established reliability.
How good is Chinese J-20? ›
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.
Who has the best fighter jet in the world? ›
The USA Lockheed F 22 is and has been the best fighter plane in the world for 20 years.
Is J-20 better than F16? ›
In beyond-visual range engagements, the J-20 is expected to outperform the F-16. The J-20's combination of stealth, radar capabilities, and long-range missiles could provide a significant advantage.
Can China detect F-22? ›
Their detection method covered a vast battlefield of around 63,000 sq km (24,300 square miles), ensuring that regardless of the F-22's manoeuvres it would remain firmly within the sight of China's radar network, said Xie and his colleagues in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Journal of Beijing University of ...
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The Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon (Chinese: 鹘鹰; pinyin: Gǔ yīng), also known as the J-31 or J-35, is a Chinese prototype mid-sized twinjet 5th-generation fighter aircraft developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).
Not only is the F135 the most powerful and most advanced fighter engine ever produced, it's also the most dependable – demonstrating a step change in readiness and reliability over 4th generation fighter engines.
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Poor design, a low level of manufacturing and a lack of experience in testing and assembly are also common problems, the research said.
How many missiles does the J-20 carry? ›
The J-20 has three internal concealed weapons bays, one in the underbelly that can carry four PL-15 beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and one each on the side of the engine that has been seen carrying one PL-10.
Is the J-20 really a 5th gen fighter? ›
China. China has two stealth fighter aircraft, Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang FC-31, both classified as fifth-generation fighter by United States Department of Defense.
How far can the J-20 fly? ›
The J-20 is a long, wide aircraft, measuring 23 meters in length and 5 meters in height. The jet is believed to have a maximum speed of 2,468 kph and a travel range of 5,926 kilometers, according to the aviation website Aero Corner.
Is the J-20 a copy of the F-22? ›
Description. The US claims China stole American tech to make a copycat of the F-22 Raptor, known as the J-20 Mighty Dragon. We compare the stealth, accuracy, and radar technology of the two fighter jets.
What is the most stealthy aircraft ever made? ›
One such fighter jet that has revolutionized modern warfare is the F-22 Raptor. Developed by Lockheed Martin, this aircraft is the world's most advanced stealth fighter and boasts a range of cutting-edge features that make it virtually undetectable.
Is J-10C a stealth? ›
The J-10C has also improved its stealth by using non-reflective composite materials, reducing its visibility on radar. This decreased the range at which the J-10C could be detected and targeted. The J-10C is armed with long-range PL-15 radar-guided air-to-air missiles, which outrange the US Air Force's AIM-120 D.
Is the J-20A copy of the F-22? ›
Description. The US claims China stole American tech to make a copycat of the F-22 Raptor, known as the J-20 Mighty Dragon. We compare the stealth, accuracy, and radar technology of the two fighter jets.
