Key Points and Summary on J-20A Fighter from China: New photos of China’s J-20A “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter have surfaced online, suggesting a significant engine upgrade and hinting at a potential public debut at Beijing’s September 3rd military parade.
-The images reveal modified diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI), which analysts believe are optimized for the long-awaited, domestically produced WS-15 engine.
-If the powerful WS-15 is now operational, it would enable the J-20A to achieve supercruise (supersonic flight without afterburners), a key fifth-generation capability that brings it closer in performance to the US F-22 Raptor and marks a major milestone in China’s military-industrial independence.
New Engine Makes China’s New J-20A A Game Changer
China has released new photos of its J-20A “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter online, suggesting a significant long-awaited engine upgrade and hinting at a potential public debut at Beijing’s September 3rd military parade.
The images reveal modified diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI), which analysts believe are optimized for the domestically produced WS-15 engine.
China’s J-20A, known as the “Mighty Dragon,” represents a significant leap in the country’s military aviation, a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to challenge Western air dominance, notably that of the US F-22.
Aviation experts disagree on whether the J-20A is truly a game-changer that shifts the global power balance in China’s favor or if it is another project that glosses over problems due to a government-controlled press.
Photos Show Parade Formation Practice
The photos on Chinese social media this week show the “Mighty Dragon” jet rehearsing parade flight formations, possibly for the September 3rd event marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.
Alongside the J-20A, images of the J-35—China’s other stealth fighter in development—have also surfaced, adding fuel to the growing buzz among military watchers about the stealth fighter program.
However, if the analysts are correct and the J-20A features the new homegrown engine, then it represents a significant step forward for the Chinese aviation program. They will no longer have to rely on foreign countries for their engines.
The J-20A Is Very Stealthy
Regardless of the debate about the overall worthiness of the aircraft, the J-20A appears very stealthy. The J-20’s airframe drastically reduces its radar signature, allowing it to carry out its killing sorties against enemy forces without those forces ever knowing it’s there.
The J-20A also incorporates advanced avionics and sensors to network information in real-time. Such capabilities provide a great advantage to the user in complex combat scenarios.
Recent reports have the Chinese transitioning the J-20A from training to combat roles and intercepting foreign (US) fighters that come close to entering Chinese airspace.
Chinese state-run media suggest that this could be the second encounter between the J-20 and the F-35. In the future, such J-20 and F-35 encounters over the Pacific could become commonplace, giving both the PLAAF and the US Air Force (USAF) ample opportunity to study and analyze each other’s frontline fifth-generation fighter jets.
WS-15 Engines Finally Arrived?
These latest shots show the J-20A sporting modified diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI), which are believed to indicate that the Chinese are finally producing the WS-15 jet engine.
The DSIs are simple and thus cheaper to manufacture, and are much lighter as they have no moving parts. They are effective in hiding the compressor blades, which are a powerful source of radar return, from enemy radar, thereby decreasing the RCS of the aircraft.
The WS-15 is expected to provide a higher thrust of 18,143 kg (40,000 pounds) and a ‘supercruise’ capability, which allows the plane to fly supersonic without having to engage the afterburners.
The new engine would also provide more electrical power for advanced avionics and sensors, as well as a newer generation of radars. CAC and the PLA Air Force can be expected to adapt these into the J-20A. China is expected to pair the J-20A with its version of the ‘loyal wingman’ drones.
Still, There Are Questions About How Good The J-20 Is
Many critics of the J-20 point to the aircraft’s maneuverability, or lack thereof, as a critical flaw. The argument is that in a dogfight, the J-20 isn’t able to turn with an F-22, although few aircraft are.
These are questions we really won’t be able to answer in the short term. Until the J-20s are fully evaluated, it is a lot of hyperbole, which the Chinese are in no short supply of.
However, China has built an impressive-looking aircraft that, on paper, appears to be an excellent fifth-generation stealth aircraft.
With their outstanding manufacturing facilities, they should be able to produce these in short order.
The changes in the aviation field occur quickly. The US is already developing the F-47, a sixth-generation NGAD stealth fighter. It could be the dominant aircraft that it is purported to be.
However, China is steadily progressing in its aviation capacity.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
