Key Points – China’s Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter is equipped with a deadly and versatile arsenal designed for air superiority.
-Its primary weapons, the long-range PL-15 and short-range PL-10 air-to-air missiles, are carried in three internal weapons bays to maintain a low radar profile.
China J-20S Fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
-The J-20 also possesses a secondary ground-attack capability, with the ability to carry precision-guided bombs like the LS-6 series.
-For non-stealth missions, external hardpoints can increase its total payload to around 26,000 lbs.
-This potent mix of beyond-visual-range and dogfighting missiles, combined with secondary strike options, makes the J-20 a credible threat.
How the J-20’s Arsenal Aims to Challenge US Air Dominance
The Chengdu J-20 is China’s most widely produced fifth-generation stealth jet. With over 300 units built and well more underway, it is also one of the most widely produced fifth-generation aircraft in the world behind the F-35 Lightning II.
The J-20 was designed as China’s response to the F-22 Raptor. While many experts in the west have disputed the aircrafts stealth characteristics, its weapons suite makes it a credible threat on the battlefield.
The Mighty Dragon’s Deadly Arsenal
One of the defining characteristics of the J-20 is its unique internal weapons carriage, which helps maintain its stealth profile. The aircraft has three internal weapons bays: a large central bay located on the underside of the fuselage and two smaller side bays near the air intakes.
The central bay is used for carrying long-range air-to-air missiles and precision-guided munitions, while the side bays are designed for short-range air-to-air missiles that can be rapidly deployed during close-range engagements.
The J-20 is an air superiority fighter, meaning that its primary mission is to deal with other airborne threats. Its primary missile is the PL-15, an active radar-guided missile with an estimated range exceeding 150 kilometers. The PL-15 is equipped with an AESA radar seeker, giving it high resistance to jamming and the ability to engage targets at extended distances. This missile is considered a key component of the J-20’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities and is intended to counter high-value targets such as enemy fighters, airborne early warning aircraft, and refueling tankers.
China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter. Image Credit: Chinese Weibo/Screenshot.
For short-range combat, the J-20 is armed with the PL-10 missile, an infrared-guided weapon comparable to the American AIM-9X or the European IRIS-T. The PL-10 is highly maneuverable and designed for dogfighting scenarios. It is typically housed in the side bays, allowing for quick deployment without compromising the aircraft’s stealth profile.
Threatening to Both Air and Ground Targets
Although the J-20 is primarily an air superiority fighter, it is believed to have secondary ground-attack capabilities. It can carry precision-guided bombs such as the LS-6 or FT series, which are satellite-guided munitions capable of striking ground targets with high accuracy. There is also speculation that the J-20 may be equipped with anti-radiation missiles like the CM-102 for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. Additionally, the aircraft might be adapted to carry stealthy cruise missiles for deep strike operations, although this capability has not been publicly confirmed.
In addition to its internal bays, the J-20 has several external hardpoints under its wings which increase its carrying capacity to around 26,000 lbs. These are generally not used during stealth missions, as external stores increase the aircraft’s radar signature. However, in lower-threat environments or during ferry missions, these hardpoints can be used to carry additional fuel tanks, missiles, or bombs. This flexibility allows the J-20 to operate in a variety of mission profiles depending on the tactical situation.
J-20: Development of China’s First Stealth Fighter
The J-20 made its first public appearance in 2011 and entered operational service in 2017. It features a twin-engine configuration, a canard-delta wing design, and a stealth-optimized fuselage. These design elements contribute to its low radar cross-section, allowing it to operate in contested environments with reduced risk of detection. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a distributed aperture system (DAS) for 360-degree situational awareness, and a modern cockpit with a wide-angle head-up display and multifunction displays.
The J-20 is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of electronic warfare and sensor systems. Its distributed aperture system provides infrared coverage for missile warning and situational awareness, while an electro-optical targeting system located under the nose aids in target acquisition and reconnaissance. The aircraft is believed to have advanced radar warning receivers and jamming capabilities, enhancing its survivability in hostile environments.
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The Chengdu J-20 achieves stealth through a combination of advanced design and materials. Its angular, blended airframe minimizes radar reflections, while internal weapons bays eliminate the radar signature of external stores. The aircraft is coated with radar-absorbent materials (RAM) and features carefully aligned surfaces to reduce its radar cross-section. Infrared signature is managed through shrouded engine nozzles and future integration of low-emission engines like the WS-15.
Despite these efforts, experts have called the J-20’s stealth capabilities into question on multiple occasions.
The J-20 vs American Stealth Fighters
When compared to its American opponents, the J-20 holds its own in several some areas. While it may not match the F-22 Raptor in terms of raw maneuverability or stealth, it compensates with its long-range missiles and growing sensor fusion capabilities. The F-35 Lightning II, on the other hand, possesses a larger range of armaments and is more versatile overall. Regardless, the J-20’s emphasis on air dominance and range gives it a unique edge in certain scenarios.
An F-35A Lightning II, flown by Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, F-35 A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander, performs aerial displays during the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo, at JBA, Md., Sept. 18, 2022. Wolfe demonstrated several difficult maneuvers throughout her performance at the Air & Space Expo to provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ben Cash)
China continues to develop and refine the J-20 platform. One of the most anticipated upgrades is the integration of the WS-15 engine, which promises to provide super cruise capability and a higher thrust-to-weight ratio. This would significantly enhance the aircraft’s performance and maneuverability.
There are also reports of a two-seat variant under development, which could be used for electronic warfare, command and control, or drone coordination. Additionally, the aircrafts radar has been tinkered with several times with the range triple that of its first iteration.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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