Key Points and Summary on J-20S Fighter from China – China has reportedly achieved a world first by putting the J-20S, a two-seat variant of its “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter, into operational service.
-New images show the tandem-seat jet flying with the 172nd Air Brigade, an advanced training unit.
-This development is significant as the second crew member, a weapon systems officer (WSO), is believed to be dedicated to controlling “loyal wingman” drones, turning the J-20S into a command-and-control hub for unmanned combat.
-The rapid development of this advanced variant underscores China’s growing ambition and capability in next-generation aerial warfare.
China’s J-20S Enters Operational Service: Here’s Why That Matters
New images have appeared online showing China’s J-20 stealth fighter in flight,and details on the plane suggest that it has now entered operational service.
Aerial views of the newest J-20S configuration, which include a darker paint scheme, provide a brand new look at China’s newest fifth-generation fighter jet.
In at least one photograph shared online this month, the aircraft can be seen displaying national insignia and a serial number associated with the 172nd Air Brigade, a unit of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The 172nd Air Brigade is a Chinese advanced training unit based in the Hebei province, close to Beijing.
While unconfirmed, reports suggest that the twin-seat variant of the J-20 fighter has become the first fifth-generation aircraft to enter operational service with a twin-seat configuration.
The new Chinese aircraft are understood to be designed to be deployed alongside “wingman” aircraft, which fly beside traditional manned fighter jets.
Wingmen aircraft extend sensor range, provide additional firepower, or can be used to conduct more dangerous missions without risking the manned aircraft and its pilot. The twin seat design allows one pilot to fly the aircraft while the other focuses on directing the unmanned craft.
J-20S Fighter in 2 Words: Long Range
The J-20S, also referred to by some sources as the J-20B, is a variant of China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon fifth-generation stealth fighter. First unveiled in October 2021, the aircraft is believed to have a significantly longer ferry range than its Western counterparts. The J-20S reportedly doubles the F-22’s range of 3,000 km, which can only achieve its range with the use of external fuel tanks), and is almost triple the ferry range of the F-35A.
While the second seat allows for greater work sharing during complex missions, specifically with regards to flying unmanned wingmen aircraft, it also solves the problem of pilot fatigue on long-range missions.
The aircraft includes several visible airframe changes over the original Mighty Dragon platform. Experts have identified a redesigned forward fuselage to accommodate the second crew member, as well as a reshaped nosecone that differs from earlier iterations. One of the most distinctive changes is a noticeable “hump” behind the cockpit, which may serve as an easy way to visually distinguish the J-20S from the single-seat version.
The J-20S also features an upgraded electro-optical sensor system mounted beneath the nose, offering 360-degree coverage. PLA watchers have noted similarities between this system and the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), suggesting a boost in targeting and situational awareness capabilities. The aircraft is also believed to be powered by the WS10C2 engine.
For a country that fielded its first stealth fighter less than a decade ago, the rapid development of a tandem-seat variant of a fifth-generation aircraft marks a significant achievement.
About the Author:
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.
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