The Chinese Stealth aircraft J-20

 

On 22 December 2010, When the J-20 underwent high speed taxiing trials outside the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute some light was thrown on this aircraft. This has been one of the stealth fighter programs under the codename J-XX that was launched way back in the late 1990.

The J-20 made its first flight, lasting about 15 minutes, on 11 January 2011. A second test flight of an hour and twenty minutes took place on 17 April 2011. On 5 May 2011, a 55-minute test flight included retraction of the landing gear. On 10 May 2012, a second prototype was reported to have undergone low speed taxiing tests. With these tests china is now almost at the doorstep of exclusive club of countries with similar capabilities.

Characteristics

The J-20 has a long and wide fuselage, and a frameless canopy similar to the F-22 Raptor. Behind the cockpit are low observable intakes mounted with a pair of upturned canards. The aft section of J-20 features canted all-moving fins resembling those on F-35 and conventional round engine exhausts. A canard delta is said to offer greater efficiency in both subsonic and supersonic flight. The engines that has powered these prototypes is said to be of Russian origin.

The aircraft features a pure glass cockpit; with two large other displays (LCD) placed side-by-side along with three other smaller ones. There is a good evidence to believe that J-20 could carry an AESE radar which is a latest feature in modern fighter aircrafts. Besides this radar the aircraft uses Fly-by-wire system. This aircraft is expected to house several types of optical sensors to enhance the surviving capabilities.

The design of J-20 is somewhat similar to the F-22 and F-35, enabling it substantial stealth capability. But the aircraft's side and axi-symmetric nozzles may expose the aircraft to radar detection. The diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) is another feature which improves stealth performance by eliminating unwanted radar reflections. This could also lead to easier maintenance. Weapons are carried in a weapons bay incorporated in the belly.

Specifications

These specifications are purely an estimated value taken from various sources.

Crew: one

Length: 20.3 m (66 ft 7 in)

Empty weight: 17,000 kg (37,479 lb)

Max takeoff weight: 36,287 kg (80,000 lb)

Power plant: 2 × WS-10G (prototype); WS-15 in production J-20 afterburning turbofans  developing power of  - dry, 180 kN (40,000 lbf) with afterburner

Range: 5,500 km (3,418 mi; 2,970 nmi)

Combat range: 2,000 km (1,243 mi; 1,080 nmi)

The Aircraft will be equipped with PL-21 LRAAM, PL-12D MRAAM, PL-10 SRAAM, LS-6 Precision Glide Bomb, 30mm cannon, up to four rocket launchers, two IR decoy launchers, air-to-surface missiles and smart bombs.

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