A single-seat, multi-role stealth fighter aircraft, the Chengdu J-20 is being manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) of China. It is a fifth generation aircraft being built for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Its Nato reporting name is Black Eagle. A total of two prototypes were developed in November 2010 for aerial and ground testing. The potential customers of the J-20 are Pakistan, the Middle East, Latin America, South East Asia and African countries. DesignThe J-20 is designed to execute ground attack missions even in hostile environments. The aircraft can reach higher altitudes with its delta wings in supersonic speeds. It is larger than Sukhoi T-50 and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. The front portion of the prototype looks similar to the F-22 Raptor and the rear section appears like Sukhoi T-50. DevelopmentChina rejected to participate in the joint development of fifth generation aircraft by Russia and India as Russia was seen to be more profitable with the Chinese participation. In an effort to build a fifth generation aircraft as competitor to the Russian aircraft, CAIG started the development of the J-20 in late 1990s under the J-XX program. "The aircraft can reach high altitudes and supersonic speeds."
Also referred as Project 718, the J-XX program depicts the development of fourth and fifth generation aircraft carried for the PLAAF. CAIG was selected as the prime contractor for the program in August 2008. The high speed taxiing testing of the aircraft was conducted in December 2010. The maiden flight was completed in January 2011. China is the third nation to manufacture and execute the flight test of J-20 demonstrator, following US and Russia. The Chinese J-20 is expected to enter service between 2017 and 2019. Once operational, the J-20 will supersede Su-27sk Flanker-B, Su-30MKK Flanker-G and Su-30MK2 Flanker-G aircraft. FeaturesThe J-20 will feature a blended fuselage with low radar cross section, low jet engine intakes, canard delta configuration, modern fly-by-wire (FBW) system, diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI), V-shaped tail and tail fins. The FBW system is equipped with fire control system and engine management system. The active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar will scan the target information and transmit to the fire control system. CockpitThe J-20 will feature a glass cockpit enclosed with a bubble shaped canopy. The cockpit will be fitted with two liquid crystal displays (LCD) and a head up display (HUD). The aircraft can be operated through traditional hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) system. ArmamentsThe J-20 will be armed with internal cannon for close range combat missions. It will comprise eight hardpoints and a large belly weapon bay to incorporate long range PL-12C/D and PL-21 air to air missiles (AAM). The aircraft will also be equipped with two small lateral weapon bays beneath the air inlets to integrate PL-10 short range AAM. It is also expected to be equipped with air to surface missiles, anti-radiation missiles, laser-guided bombs and drop bombs. EnginesThe J-20 will be armed with internal cannon for close range combat missions."
The J-20 prototype is powered by Saturn 117S engines supplied by Russia. Each engine produces 32,000lb of thrust. The production aircraft will be powered by two WS-10G thrust vectoring turbofan engines each generating 30,000lbs of thrust. The engine is being designed and manufactured by Shenyang Liming Aircraft Engine Company. It will feature a single high-pressure turbine, dual low-pressure turbine, annular combustors and compressors. The WS-10G will be fitted with thrust vector controlled (TVC) nozzles to decrease radar cross section (RCS) and infrared (IR) emissions. The diameter of the engine is 0.95m. The dry weight is 1,494kg. Landing GearThe aircraft will be fitted with a tricycle type landing gear comprising a single wheeled nose gear leg and two single wheeled main gear legs. The nose gear will drawback into the cockpit floor upon take-off, while the main gear retract forward into the fuselage section. PerformanceThe J-20 can climb at the rate of 304m/s. The maximum speed will be 2,100km/h. The range and service ceiling will be 3,400km and 18,000m respectively. |
Expand Image Artistic rendering image of Chengdu J-20. |
Expand Image The J-20 features a blended fuselage and V-shaped tail. | |
Expand Image Chengdu J-20 will be larger than the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. |
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