112-528: (Redirected from J-20 ) J20 or J-20 may refer to: Vehicles [ edit ] Aircraft [ edit ] Chengdu J-20 , a Chinese stealth fighter Reggiane J 20 , an Italian fighter in service with the Swedish Air Force Soko J-20 Kraguj , a Yugoslavian light attack aircraft Automobiles [ edit ] Jeep J20 , an American pickup truck Toyota Land Cruiser (J20) ,
224-634: A Japanese off-road vehicle Locomotives [ edit ] LNER Class J20 , a British steam locomotive class Ships [ edit ] HSwMS Östergötland (J20) , an Östergötland -class destroyer of the Swedish Navy INS ; Nirupak (J20) , a Sandhayak -class survey ship of the Indian Navy Other uses [ edit ] J20 Nationell , a Swedish junior hockey league Acute bronchitis County Route J20 (California) DisruptJ20 , founded to protest
336-564: A chin-mounted enclosed electro-optical sensor with a forward field-of-view for air-to-air applications. In 2015, Beijing A-Star Science and Technology was developing passive sensors, the EOTS-89 electro-optical targeting system and the EORD-31 infrared search and track , for the J-20. The passive sensors enhance the capability to engage stealthy aircraft. The J-20's usage of electro-optical sensors resembles
448-549: A compressed airframe, folded fins, and a high-performance dual-pulse motor to reduce size, while maintaining the same level of performance as the PL-15. The J-20 will likely use air-to-air missiles to engage in air superiority combat with other aircraft and to destroy high-value airborne assets. Supplemental missions may include launching anti-radiation missiles and air-to-ground munitions for precision-strike missions. The wings include four hardpoints for auxiliary fuel tanks to extend
560-411: A computer program called Echo 1. Echo made it possible to predict the radar signature of an aircraft made with flat panels, called facets. In 1975, engineers at Lockheed Skunk Works found that an aircraft made with faceted surfaces could have a very low radar signature because the surfaces would radiate almost all of the radar energy away from the receiver. Under a 1977 contract from DARPA, Lockheed built
672-563: A focus on air superiority , with supercruise , high thrust-to-weight ratio, integrated avionics, and of course, stealth. The first combat use of purpose-designed stealth aircraft was in December 1989 during Operation Just Cause in Panama . On 20 December 1989, two United States Air Force F-117s bombed a Panamanian Defense Force barracks in Rio Hato, Panama. In 1991, F-117s were tasked with attacking
784-558: A long and blended fuselage , with a chiseled nose section and a frameless canopy . Immediately behind the cockpit are low-observable diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) intakes. All-moving canard surfaces with pronounced dihedral are placed behind the intakes, followed by leading edge extensions (LERX) merging into the delta wing with forward-swept trailing edges. The aft section has twin outward canted all-moving fins, short but deep ventral strakes, and conventional or low-observable engine exhausts. One important design criterion for
896-441: A particular design challenge, due not only to their multiple wing surfaces and articulated joints, but also to the constantly-changing relationship of these to the main airframe surfaces. The Boeing–Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was one of the first attempts at a stealth helicopter . Early stealth aircraft were designed with a focus on minimal radar cross section (RCS) rather than aerodynamic performance. Highly stealthy aircraft like
1008-480: A press conference that the radars on India's Su-30MKI fighters were "good enough" and could detect a J-20 from "several kilometers away" while answering a question on whether the J-20 posed a threat to India. However, experienced analysts didn't take Dhanoa's claim seriously due to his exaggeration and the lack of validity. Analyst Justin Bronk from Royal United Services Institute noted that Chinese were possibly flying
1120-613: A proof of concept demonstrator aircraft, the Lockheed Have Blue , nicknamed "the Hopeless Diamond", a reference to the famous Hope Diamond and the design's shape and predicted instability. Because advanced computers were available to control the flight of an aircraft that was designed for stealth but aerodynamically unstable such as the Have Blue, for the first time designers realized that it might be possible to make an aircraft that
1232-487: A second operator includes the potential for better interpreting and exploiting the enormous sensory data that could overload the limited cognitive and processing capacity for a single human, especially in a contested air combat environment. In March 2022, Chinese state media reported that the J-20, reportedly with one engine replaced by the WS-15, had performed flight trials. In December 2022, Chinese military analysts indicated
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#17328487547471344-422: A second test flight of an hour and 20 minutes took place. On 5 May 2011, a 55-minute test flight was held that included retraction of the landing gear. On 26 February 2012, the first prototype J-20 performed various low-altitude maneuvers. On 10 May 2012, the second prototype (numbered "2002") underwent high-speed taxiing tests, and flight testing that began later that month. On 20 October 2012, photographs of
1456-495: A second. Some weapons require that the weapon's guidance system acquire the target while the weapon is still attached to the aircraft. This forces relatively extended operations with the bay doors open. Such aircraft as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter can also carry additional weapons and fuel on hardpoints below their wings. When operating in this mode the planes will not be nearly as stealthy, as
1568-499: A secondary feature. In the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia two stealth aircraft were used by the United States, the veteran F-117 Nighthawk, and the newly introduced B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bomber. The F-117 performed its usual role of striking precision high-value targets and performed well, although one F-117 was shot down by a Serbian Isayev S-125 'Neva-M' missile brigade commanded by Colonel Zoltán Dani . Besides all
1680-415: A short-range missile. In 2023, the United States reported that China planned to increase the J-20's missile capacity in "low-observable configuration". A staggered arrangement of six PL-15s is possible with modified rail launchers under development. A thinner profile missile, designated PL-16 , was also reportedly under development in 2020 to allow the six missiles for internal carriage. The PL-16 features
1792-430: A significant radar return, stealth aircraft carry all armaments internally. As soon as weapons bay doors are opened, the plane's RCS will be multiplied and even older generation radar systems will be able to locate the stealth aircraft. While the aircraft will reacquire its stealth as soon as the bay doors are closed, a fast response defensive weapons system has a short opportunity to engage the aircraft. This vulnerability
1904-497: A single transmit/receive module surface in the J-16's AESA radar system, J-20s likely contain 2000–2200 transmit/receive modules. A Chinese study commissioned by the military suggested the J-20's AESA radar would have a tracking range of 200 km (120 mi; 110 nmi) with simultaneous tracking for 20 targets, and multi-target engagement capabilities. The nose includes electro-optical sensors for an omnidirectional view, including
2016-535: A slight alteration to tail booms, suggesting the installation of rear-facing sensors. PLAAF also modified an airliner to serve as the AESA radar test-bed for the J-20 program. On 13 September 2015, a new prototype, marked "2016", began testing. It had noticeable improvements, such as apparently modified DSI bumps on the intakes. The DSI changes suggested the possibility of more powerful engines being used than its predecessors, likely to be an advanced 14-ton thrust derivative of
2128-537: A stealth shaping, yielding signature performance in a mature design similar to the F-22. The diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) leading into serpentine inlets (S-ducts) can obscure the reflective surface of the engine from radar detection. DSI intakes save weight, reduce complexity, and minimize radar signature. Additional low-observable features include a flat fuselage bottom holding an internal weapons bay, sawtooth edges on compartment doors, mesh coverings on cooling ports at
2240-518: A twin-seat J-20 variant powered by thrust vectoring WS-10C. In October 2021, a taxiing prototype, dubbed J-20S by analysts, was spotted near Chengdu Aerospace Corporation facilities, making J-20S the first-ever two-seat stealth fighter . The twin-seat design allows the possibility for the second operator to coordinate attacks and reconnaissance missions from other friendly aircraft via networking or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) linked via " loyal wingman " systems and sensors. The advantage of
2352-643: A two channel IRST is a CO 2 (4.3 μm absorption maxima) detection possible, through difference comparing between the low and high channel. These analysts point to the resurgence in such systems in Russian designs in the 1980s, such as those fitted to the MiG-29 and Su-27 . The latest version of the MiG-29, the MiG-35 , is equipped with a new Optical Locator System that includes more advanced IRST capabilities. The French Rafale ,
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#17328487547472464-583: A variety of technologies that reduce reflection/emission of radar , infrared , visible light, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, and audio, all collectively known as stealth technology . The F-117 Nighthawk was the first operational aircraft explicitly designed around stealth technology. Other examples of stealth aircraft include the B-2 Spirit , the B-21 Raider , the F-22 Raptor , the F-35 Lightning II ,
2576-478: A wide-angle holographic heads-up display (HUD). The size of the primary LCD screen is 610 mm × 230 mm (24 in × 9 in), 650 mm (25.63 in) diagonal size, with two illumination systems for operational redundancy . The aircraft is fitted with a helmet-mounted display (HMD) system, which displays combat information inside the pilots' helmet visor and facilities firing missiles at high off-boresight angle. The main weapon bay
2688-454: Is a twin-engine all-weather stealth fighter developed by China 's Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The J-20 is designed as an air superiority fighter with precision strike capability. The aircraft has three notable variants : the initial production model, the revised airframe variant with new engines and thrust-vectoring control, and
2800-453: Is a multirole air superiority fighter , with the interceptor role being just one of the options. The J-20 avionics aim to obtain situational awareness through advanced sensor and data fusion while denying situational awareness to the adversary through stealth and electronic warfare. The J-20 features an integrated avionic suite consisting of multi-spectral sensors capable of providing omnidirectional coverage with. Official information on
2912-404: Is addressed by operating in a manner that reduces the risk and consequences of temporary acquisition. The B-2's operational altitude imposes a flight time for defensive weapons that makes it virtually impossible to engage the aircraft during its weapons deployment. New stealth aircraft designs such as the F-22 and F-35 can open their bays, release munitions and return to stealthy flight in less than
3024-603: Is also a key characteristic of all stealth aircraft. Tests were performed in 2008 by the Northrop Grumman Corporation to establish if the aircraft's shape would have avoided detection by top-end HF -band, 20–30 MHz primary signals of Britain's Chain Home early warning radar , if the aircraft was traveling at high speed (approximately 550 mph (890 km/h)) at extremely low altitude – 50–100 feet (15–30 m). The testing did not find any evidence that charcoal
3136-461: Is believed that at least 4 Su-57 are deployed in Syria and that they have likely been armed with cruise missiles in combat. In 2018, a report surfaced noting that Israeli F-35I stealth fighters conducted a number of missions in Syria and even infiltrated Iranian airspace without detection. In May 2018, Major General Amikam Norkin of IAF reported that Israeli Air Force F-35I stealth fighters carried out
3248-511: Is capable of housing both long-range air-to-air missiles (AAM; PL-15 – PL-21 ) and precision-guided munitions ( PGM ; LS-6/50 , LS-6/100, FT-7 ), while the two smaller lateral weapon bays behind the air inlets are intended for short-range AAMs ( PL-10 ). These side bays allow closure of the bay doors prior to firing the missile, enhancing stealth and allowing the missile to be fired in the shortest possible time. The main bay may carry four medium/long-range AAMs, with each lateral bay carrying
3360-589: Is claimed that the HF frequency used and the method of bouncing radar from ionosphere overcomes the stealth characteristics of the F-117A. In other words, stealth aircraft are optimized for defeating much higher-frequency radar from front-on rather than low-frequency radars from above. During World War I , the Germans experimented with the use of Cellon ( Cellulose acetate ), a transparent covering material, in an attempt to reduce
3472-410: Is equipped with a new variant of WS-10 Taihang engines with serrated afterburner nozzles to enhance stealth. Report indicated Chengdu Aerospace Corporation terminated the manufacturing of J-20 with Russian engines in mid-2019. Chinese media reported that a new variant of the J-20 was unveiled on July 8, 2020, and entered mass production the same day. The only change mentioned was that the new J-20
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3584-433: Is highly unlikely and certainly systems such as Tamara and Kolchuga , which are often described as counter-stealth radars, are not designed to detect stray electromagnetic fields of this type. Such systems are designed to detect intentional, higher power emissions such as radar and communication signals. Stealth aircraft are deliberately operated to avoid or reduce such emissions. Current Radar Warning Receivers look for
3696-463: Is not designed for thrust vectoring, unlike the WS-10 TVC demonstrated on a J-10 in 2018 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition . Analyst Jamie Hunter believed the new engine type is what he called WS-10B-3, a Chinese-made thrust-vectoring engine demonstrated on the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow . In January 2021, South China Morning Post reported that the J-20 would replace its engines with
3808-497: Is offset by the reduction in fewer supporting aircraft that are required to provide air cover, air-defense suppression and electronic counter measures, making stealth aircraft " force multipliers ". Stealth aircraft often have skins made with radiation-absorbent materials (RAMs). Some of these contain carbon black particles, while some contain tiny iron spheres . There are many materials used in RAMs, and some are classified, particularly
3920-444: Is possible to build a synthetic aperture radar image of an aircraft target using passive multistatic radar, possibly detailed enough to enable automatic target recognition . In December 2007, SAAB researchers revealed details for a system called Associative Aperture Synthesis Radar (AASR) that would employ a large array of inexpensive and redundant transmitters and receivers that could detect targets when they directly pass between
4032-665: Is said to represent the initial pre-serial standard. By the end of 2014, three more pre-serial prototypes were flown, each with incremental improvements to the design. The fourth prototype "2012" was tested on 26 July 2014, sharing many similarities with the "2011". This pair of aircraft was reportedly powered by AL-31FM2 engines. The fifth prototype, numbered "2013", took off on 29 November 2014. Three weeks later, number "2015" made its maiden flight on 19 December 2014, indicating rapid construction capability. Both prototypes featured retractable aerial refueling probes and infrared-suppression engine nozzles. The sixth prototype "2015" featured
4144-678: Is the P-18 radar . The Dutch company Thales Nederland , formerly known as Holland Signaal , developed a naval phased-array radar called SMART-L , which is operated at L Band and has counter-stealth. All ships of the Royal Dutch Navy 's De Zeven Provinciën class carry, among others, the SMART-L radar. Over-the-horizon radar is a concept increasing radar's effective range over conventional radar. The Australian JORN Jindalee Operational Radar Network can overcome certain stealth characteristics. It
4256-455: Is very close to the final J-20 production configuration. Since '2017' was likely the last J-20 prototype, the low rate initial production (LRIP) of the J-20 is likely to begin in 2016. Chinese media reported that the design of the J-20 was frozen and finalized, as formal ceremonies were held for the prototype "2017" after completing the flight testing. The LRIP version later appeared in December 2015. In March 2017, Chinese media reported that
4368-730: The Chengdu J-20 , and the Sukhoi Su-57 . While no aircraft is completely invisible to radar, stealth aircraft make it more difficult for conventional radar to detect or track the aircraft effectively, increasing the odds of an aircraft avoiding detection by enemy radar and/or avoiding being successfully targeted by radar guided weapons . Stealth is a combination of passive low observable (LO) features and active emitters such as low-probability-of-intercept radars , radios and laser designators. These are typically combined with operational measures such as carefully planning mission maneuvers to minimize
4480-471: The Eurofighter . Similarly, Chinese aerospace researchers also concluded that, in terms of stealth, the canard delta configuration is comparable with the conventional arrangement. Composite materials are applied to minimize the J-20's RCS. The DSI enables an aircraft to reach Mach 2.0 with a simpler intake than traditionally required, and improves stealth performance by eliminating radar reflections between
4592-628: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II 's avionic suite, including the AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System . According to Chinese media in February 2024, the J-20 is equipped to perform airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) operations. The aircraft features a fully-digital glass cockpit with one primary large color liquid-crystal display (LCD) touchscreen , three smaller auxiliary displays, and
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4704-584: The U.S. Navy's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) incorporated canards on a stealthy airframe. Lockheed Martin employed canards on a stealth airframe for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) program during early development before dropping them due to complications with aircraft carrier recovery. McDonnell Douglas and NASA's X-36 featured canards and was considered to be extremely stealthy. RCS can be further reduced by controlling canard deflection through flight-control software, as on
4816-616: The AL-31 would be fitted with the WS-15. In April 2023, China reported that the WS-15 was ready for mass production. The aircraft is equipped with a retractable refueling probe embedded on the right side of the cockpit, to help the fighter to maintain stealth while flying greater distances. Analysts noted that the J-20's airframe employs a holistic approach to reduce its Radar cross-section (RCS), uniquely combining canard wings with leading edge root extensions (LERX). The chined forebody, modified radar radome , and electroconductive canopy use
4928-661: The British/German/Italian/Spanish Eurofighter and the Swedish Gripen also make extensive use of IRST. In air combat, the optronic suite allows: For ground targets, the suite allows: VHF radar systems have wavelengths comparable to aircraft feature sizes and should exhibit scattering in the resonance region rather than the optical region, allowing most stealth aircraft to be detected. This has prompted Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Radio Engineering (NNIIRT) to develop VHF AESAs such as
5040-518: The Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI) facilities before the maiden flight. On 11 January 2011, the first J-20 prototype (numbered "2001") made its first flight, lasting about 15 minutes, with a Chengdu J-10B serving as the chase aircraft . After the successful flight, a ceremony was held, attended by the pilot, Li Gang, Chief Designer Yang Wei and General Li Andong, Deputy-Director of General Armaments. On 17 April 2011,
5152-563: The F-117 Nighthawk are aerodynamically unstable in all three axes and require constant flight corrections from a fly-by-wire (FBW) flight system to maintain controlled flight. As for the B-2 Spirit , which was based on the development of the flying wing aircraft by Jack Northrop in 1940, this design allowed for a stable aircraft with sufficient yaw control, even without vertical surfaces such as rudders. Earlier stealth aircraft (such as
5264-559: The F-117 Nighthawk was used in the Gulf War, where 42 F-117s flew 1,299 sorties and scored 1,664 direct hits with laser-guided bombs while not suffering battle damage, while hitting 1,600 high-value targets in Iraq. F-117s flew approximately 168 strikes against Scud -associated targets while accumulating 6,905 flight hours. Only 2.5% of the American aircraft in Iraq were F-117s, yet they struck 40% of
5376-477: The F-117 and B-2) lack afterburners , because the hot exhaust would increase their infrared footprint, and flying faster than the speed of sound would produce an obvious sonic boom , as well as surface heating of the aircraft skin , which also increases the infrared footprint. As a result, their performance in air combat maneuvering required in a dogfight would never match that of a dedicated fighter aircraft. This
5488-554: The F-117) reflects energy away from the transmitter's line of sight , effectively increasing the radar cross section (RCS) in other directions, which the passive radars monitor. Such a system typically uses either low frequency broadcast TV and FM radio signals (at which frequencies controlling the aircraft's signature is more difficult). Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign with support of DARPA , have shown that it
5600-481: The J-20 is high instability . This requires sustained pitch authority at a high angle of attack, in which a conventional tail-plane would lose effectiveness due to stalling . On the other hand, a canard can deflect opposite to the angle of attack, avoiding stall and thereby maintaining control. A canard design is also known to provide good supersonic performance, excellent supersonic and transonic turn performance, and improved short-field landing performance compared to
5712-448: The J-20 more thrust than the F-22 and F-35. The engine's extra power and cooling could also be used by future directed energy weapons and sensors. The WS-15 development was reportedly ongoing in 2019. In March 2022, Chinese state media reported that the J-20 had performed flight trials with the engine and experienced significantly improved performance. It was also reported that eventually, new production and existing aircraft powered by
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#17328487547475824-495: The J-20 platform were being developed. In January 2019, Chinese media reported that a twin-seat variant of the J-20 is rumored to be in development for use in tactical bombing , electronic warfare and carrier strike roles. In November 2019, a J-20 painted in yellow primer coating was spotted during its flight testing by defense observers at the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation manufacturing facility. The aircraft
5936-485: The J-20 prototype "2052" equipped with two distinguishable WS-15 engines took flight in Chengdu, captured by Chinese military enthusiasts and spread throughout social media. Another prototype with serial number "2053" also reportedly conducted a test flight in the same period with WS-15 engines. Despite the lack of clear pictures, circumstantial evidence such as a photo of the engine installation ceremony, lack of censorship by
6048-449: The J-20 with radar reflectors during peacetime for safety and training purposes due to the potential for accidents and identification from other aircraft or ground installations. In a more recent report, Bronk also states that even with limited stealth, J-20 could hide and strike enemy critical platforms in an airspace with background clutter caused by non-stealth fighters and other electromagnetic noise. According to Aviation Week in 2021,
6160-449: The J-20's stealth characteristics were superior to the Sukhoi Su-57 in the frontal aspect but inferior overall - particularly in the rear - to the F-35 . As the program matures with each batch, recently produced models have seen constant and significant enhancement in their stealth profile. On 10 December 2010, the first J-20 prototype was observed undertaking high-speed taxiing tests around
6272-483: The NEBO SVU, which is capable of performing target acquisition for Surface-to-air missile batteries. Despite the advantages offered by VHF radar, their longer wavelengths result in poor resolution compared to comparably sized X band radar array. As a result, these systems must be very large before they can have the resolution for an engagement radar . An example of a ground-based VHF radar with counter-stealth capability
6384-793: The Pentagon reported that PLAAF was upgrading the J-20, with enhancements such as extended weapon-carrying capability, thrust vectoring nozzles, control systems for unmanned aircraft teaming, and WS-15 high-thrust engines. In November 2024, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) officially announced the twin-seat variant of the J-20, designated the J-20S. Functions of the variant include long-range operations with multi-role capabilities, including air superiority, precision strikes, manned-unmanned teaming, battlefield surveillance , electronic warfare , and command and control . The J-20 has
6496-525: The Russian AL-31 or Chinese Shenyang WS-10 turbofan engines. By 2020, the J-20 is scheduled to use the 18–19 ton WS-15 engine, enabling the jet to supercruise without using afterburners. The trapezoidal flight booms around the engines were further enlarged, possibly to accommodate rearwards-facing radars, electronic countermeasures, and jamming equipment. The fuselage was extended to the engine's exhaust nozzles. Compared to its "2014" and "2015" predecessors,
6608-495: The US military reported that the J-20 was gradually receiving upgrades. In the same month, new J-20 two-seater variant began flight testing. In December 2022, the prototype "2051" in yellow premier coat took flight. The new prototype had a redesigned canopy section and was speculated for engine and thrust-vectoring testing In March 2023, J-20 fitted with one Shenyang WS-15 engine reportedly performed experimental flights. On 29 June 2023,
6720-632: The United States (in 1977), Russia (in 2000) and China (in 2011). As of December 2020 , the only combat-ready stealth aircraft in service are the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit (1997), the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (2005), the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (2015), the Chengdu J-20 (2017), and the Sukhoi Su-57 (2020), with a number of other countries developing their own designs. There are also various aircraft with reduced detectability, either unintentionally or as
6832-671: The United States using the F-22 Raptor , B-2 Spirit, and the F-35 Lightning II to perform a variety of operations. The F-22 made its combat debut over Syria in September 2014 as part of the US-led coalition to defeat ISIS . From February 2018, Su-57s performed the first international flight as they were spotted landing at the Russian Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. These Su-57s were deployed along with four Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, four Sukhoi Su-25s, and one Beriev A-50 AEW&C aircraft. It
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#17328487547476944-506: The WS-10C were underway by November 2020. The PLAAF began receiving WS-10C powered aircraft by 2021. In January 2022, it was reported that aircraft powered by the WS-10C would be upgraded with TVC. Erportedly, the WS-10C enabled supercruise . The intended powerplant is the Shenyang WS-15 with a thrust of 180 kN. The WS-15 enables supercruise , enhances maneuverability, and gives
7056-480: The WS-10C. The WS-10C is considered an interim solution before Shenyang WS-15 passes evaluations. Moreover, WS-10C will not be equipped with the thrust-vectoring version of the J-20 that entered mass production in 2019, which still required further testing. Overall, Chinese engineers believe WS-10C is comparable with AL-31F in performance, and the replacement would also reduce China's dependency on Russian engines. The WS-10C-powered J-20 has officially showcased to
7168-410: The WS-15 was undertaking the last stage of testing and development. In late December, a prototype of the new J-20 variant was observed at Chengdu Aerospace Corporation facilities. The new variant was painted in yellow primer and different from previous J-20 aircraft in airframe design, with a low-profile blended canopy, aiming to optimize transonic flight performance and maneuverability. The new prototype
7280-473: The WS-15, and the engine approached the final stage of testing before serial production. Analyst Rick Joe speculated the initial production batch of the revised J-20 model might enter service with WS-10 or WS-15 engine, depending on the circumstances surrounding the development. In late December 2015, a new J-20 numbered 2101 was spotted; it is believed to be the LRIP version of the aircraft. Chinese media suggested
7392-562: The adoption of the AL-31. There are conflicting reports concerning the powerplant of the TVC-equipped J-20, dubbed J-20B. The powerplant has been identified as the AL-31FM2, or a variant of the WS-10; "WS-10C" by Andreas Rupprecht, or "WS-10B-3" by Jamie Hunter. The TVC-equipped WS-10B-3 was demonstrated at the 2018 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition. The Shenyang WS-10C
7504-430: The adoption of the more powerful Shenyang WS-15 . During the prototype and initial service period, the fighter was powered by an improved Lyulka-Saturn AL-31 variant, reportedly the AL-31FM2 developed by Salyut. The engine has a "special power setting" thrust of 145 kN (32,600 lbf). The Shenyang WS-10B reportedly powered low rate initial production aircraft in 2015, and was used as an interim engine before
7616-469: The aircraft's radar cross-section , since common hard turns or opening bomb bay doors can more than double an otherwise stealthy aircraft's radar return. Stealth is accomplished by using a complex design philosophy to reduce the ability of an opponent's sensors to detect, track, or attack the stealth aircraft. This philosophy takes into account the heat, sound, and other emissions of the aircraft which can also be used to locate it. Sensors are made to reduce
7728-490: The aircraft's turn performance. The use of a bubble canopy, extensive flight-control surfaces, and canard configuration for angle-of-attack control indicates J-20's intention to operate in air-superiority missions and within-visual-range engagements. Chief test pilot Li Gang describes the J-20 as having comparable manoeuvrability to the Chengdu J-10 while being significantly better at low-observable (LO) performance. The J-20
7840-502: The aircraft-teaming capable twin-seat variant. Descending from the J-XX program of the 1990s, the aircraft made its maiden flight on 11 January 2011, and was officially revealed at the 2016 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition . The aircraft entered service in March 2017 with the first J-20 combat unit formed in February 2018, making China the second country in the world and
7952-528: The aircraft. In December 2015, the low rate initial production (LRIP) version of the J-20 was spotted by military observers. The LRIP aircraft revealed dielectric surfaces that were previously painted for prototypes, potentially containing various sensors or baked-in radar absorbing materials. In October 2017, Chinese state media reported that the designs of the J-20 had been finalized, and were ready for mass production as well as being combat-ready. In March 2018, Chinese military revealed other versions of
8064-537: The attempt to make transparent aircraft was not proceeded with. In 1916, the British modified a small SS class airship for the purpose of night-time aerial reconnaissance over German lines on the Western Front . Fitted with a silenced engine and a black gas bag, the craft was both invisible and inaudible from the ground, but several night-time flights over German-held territory produced little useful intelligence, and
8176-472: The authorities, and modified airframe suggested the WS-15 was evidently mounted, though Janes Information Services noted the engines on trial apparently lacks the thrust vectoring control (TVC) paddles, which could be added later. According to editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, vector thrust control and variable cycle engines were "likely under development". In 2024, clear photo evidence confirmed that J-20 prototypes took flight with
8288-573: The base of the vertical tails, embedded antennas, and radar-absorbent coating materials. While the aircraft's fins/strakes and axisymmetric rear areas may expose the aircraft to radar, the overall stealth shaping of the J-20 is robust and considerably more capable than the Russian PAK-FA . Improvements regarding stealth were subsequently introduced - one prototype in 2014 was powered by WS-10 engines equipped with different jagged-edge nozzles and tiles for greater stealth. The J-20 production model with
8400-495: The conventional delta-wing design. Leading edge extensions and body lift are incorporated to enhance performance in a canard layout. This combination is said by the designer to generate 1.2 times the lift of an ordinary canard delta, and 1.8 times more lift than an equivalent-sized pure delta configuration. The designer claims such a combination allows the use of a smaller wing, reducing supersonic drag without compromising transonic lift-to-drag characteristics that are crucial to
8512-503: The diverter and the aircraft's skin. Analysts have also noted that the J-20 DSI reduces the need for the application of radar-absorbent materials . A removable radar reflectors ( Luneburg lens ) is mounted on the underside of the J-20 to amplify its radar returns, concealing the real radar signature. In the 2021 production model, the emitter is re-engineered to be retractable. In May 2018, Indian Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa claimed at
8624-404: The engine's surface area is further embedded inside the stealthy coating, providing greater rear-facing stealth against enemy detection. On 24 November 2015, a new J-20 prototype, numbered "2017", took to the sky. The most significant change in the new prototype was the reshaped cockpit canopy, which provides the pilot with greater visibility. The lack of other design changes suggested that "2017"
8736-641: The ferrying range and large weapons, like the PL-17 . The J-20 is unlikely to be the primary carrier of such large weapons as they compromise the aircraft's stealth. The J-20 reportedly lacks an internal autocannon or rotary cannon , suggesting a preference for long-range engagements with missiles rather than short-ranged dogfights . The J-20 is powered by Shenyang WS-10 , an afterburner turbofan engine manufactured by Shenyang Liming Aircraft Engine Company , which reportedly enables supercruise and high maneuverability . The WS-10C served as an interim engine before
8848-533: The fighter entered service. But it still faced a series of technical challenges that needed to be tackled, including the reliability of its WS-15 engines, the aircraft's flight control system, stealth coatings, hull materials, and infrared sensor. In September 2017, a newly built J-20 prototype (numbered "2021") was flight testing with Chinese-made WS-10 Taihang engines, featuring sawtoothed serration edge on its afterburning nozzles. The J-20 with indigenous WS-10C engines began production in 2019. In September 2018, it
8960-589: The first in Asia to field an operational stealth aircraft. The J-20 emerged from the late-1990s J-XX program. In 2008, the PLAAF endorsed Chengdu Aerospace Corporation 's proposal, Project 718. Chengdu had previously used the double-canard configuration in the J-9 , its first design and cancelled in the 1970s, and the J-10 . In 2009, a senior PLAAF official revealed that the first flight
9072-467: The first-ever F-35 strike in combat over Syria. The People's Republic of China started flight testing its Chengdu J-20 stealth multirole fighter around in 2011 and made its first public appearance at Airshow China 2016. The aircraft entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in March 2017. Another fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter from China, the Shenyang FC-31
9184-408: The hardpoints and the weapons mounted on those hardpoints will show up on radar systems. This option therefore represents a trade off between stealth or range and payload. External stores allow those aircraft to attack more targets further away, but will not allow for stealth during that mission as compared to a shorter range mission flying on just internal fuel and using only the more limited space of
9296-624: The idea was dropped. Nearly three decades later, the Horten Ho 229 flying wing fighter-bomber was developed in Nazi Germany during the last years of World War II . In 1983, its designer Reimar Horten claimed that he planned to add charcoal to the adhesive layers of the plywood skin of the production model to render it invisible to radar. This claim was investigated, as the Ho 229's lack of vertical surfaces, an inherent feature of all flying wing aircraft,
9408-491: The impact of low observable technologies and others have been proposed such as IRST (infrared search and track) systems to detect even reduced heat emissions, long wavelength radars to counter stealth shaping and RAM focused on shorter wavelength radar, or radar setups with multiple emitters to counter stealth shaping. However these have disadvantages compared to traditional radar against non-stealthy aircraft. Full-size stealth combat aircraft demonstrators have been flown by
9520-544: The inauguration of Donald Trump in January 2017 Elongated pentagonal cupola , a Johnson solid (J 20 ) January 20, 2005 counter-inaugural protest , held in Washington, D.C. and other American cities Nissan J20 , an automobile engine See also [ edit ] J 2 O , with a letter "O" instead of a zero [REDACTED] Topics referred to by the same term This disambiguation page lists articles associated with
9632-445: The internal weapon bays for armaments. Fully stealth aircraft carry all fuel and armament internally, which limits the payload. By way of comparison, the F-117 carries only two laser- or GPS-guided bombs, while a non-stealth attack aircraft can carry several times more. This requires the deployment of additional aircraft to engage targets that would normally require a single non-stealth attack aircraft. This apparent disadvantage however
9744-531: The materials that specific aircraft use. Stealth aircraft are typically more expensive to develop and manufacture. An example is the B-2 Spirit that is many times more expensive to manufacture and support than conventional bomber aircraft. The B-2 program cost the U.S. Air Force almost $ 45 billion. Passive (multistatic) radar , bistatic radar and especially multistatic radar systems detect some stealth aircraft better than conventional monostatic radars , since first-generation stealth technology (such as
9856-448: The most heavily fortified targets in Iraq in the opening phase of Operation Desert Storm and were the only coalition aircraft allowed to operate inside Baghdad's city limits and over its airspace. The F-117 while having sufficient stealth, also had a low visual signature. Even still, if the F-117 was visually acquired, it, like all aircraft, were subject to visual air-to-air interception. This
9968-535: The prototype with open compartment doors and a modified pitot tube emerged, suggesting the possible inclusion of radar or sensors. In March 2013, images of the side weapon bays appeared, displaying a missile launch rail. On 16 January 2014, the third J-20 prototype was revealed, showing new intakes, embedded engine nozzles, and stealth coating, as well as redesigned vertical stabilizers, and an Electro-Optical Targeting System . This particular aircraft, numbered "2011", performed its maiden flight on 1 March 2014 and
10080-411: The public on 28 September 2021 at Zhuhai Airshow. The development of a twin-seater variant was hinted at by J-20's chief designer in 2019. In January 2021, Aviation Industry Corporation of China released computer renderings of the twin-seat variant of the J-20 fighter in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the jet's maiden flight. In February 2021, a South China Morning Post infographic depicted
10192-537: The receivers/transmitters and create a shadow. The system was originally designed to detect stealthy cruise missiles and should be just as effective against low-flying stealth aircraft. That the array could contain a large amount of inexpensive equipment could potentially offer some "protection" against attacks by expensive anti-radiation missiles (ARMs). Some analysts claim Infra-red search and track systems (IRSTs) can be deployed against stealth aircraft, because any aircraft surface heats up due to air friction and with
10304-403: The regular pings of energy from mechanically swept radars while fifth generation jet fighters use Low Probability of Intercept Radars with no regular repeat pattern. Stealth aircraft are still vulnerable to detection while and immediately after using their weaponry. Since stealth payload (reduced RCS bombs and cruise missiles ) is not yet generally available, and ordnance mount points create
10416-690: The same title formed as a letter–number combination. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J20&oldid=1188727066 " Category : Letter–number combination disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Chengdu J-20 The Chengdu J-20 ( Chinese : 歼-20 ; pinyin : Jiān-Èrlíng ), also known as Mighty Dragon ( Chinese : 威龙 ; pinyin : Wēilóng , NATO reporting name : Fagin ),
10528-447: The serrated WS-10C engine is also capable of mitigating negative effects on rear-aspect stealth. Others have raised doubts about the use of canards on a low-observable design, stating that canards would guarantee radar detection and compromise stealth. However, these critiques with respect to the canard's RCS may be unfounded. Canards and low-observability are not necessarily mutually exclusive designs. Northrop Grumman's proposal for
10640-411: The stealth aircraft will enter production ahead of schedule. In July 2016, pre-production models with dark-grey paint and low visibility insignias were spotted inside a Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) facility. The production rate indicated an intended initial operational capability (IOC) date of around 2017–2018. Stealth aircraft Stealth aircraft are designed to avoid detection using
10752-618: The strategic targets, dropping 2,000 tons of precision-guided munitions and striking their targets with an 80% success rate. However the F-117 still had flaws; it had to refuel and was defenesless in an enemy attack. All F-117 sorties had to be refueled. In the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia two stealth aircraft were used by the United States: the veteran F-117 Nighthawk, and the newly introduced B-2 Spirit strategic stealth bomber. The F-117 performed its usual role of striking precision high-value targets and performed well, although one F-117
10864-589: The third J-20 prototype, numbered "2011", which made its maiden flight in March 2014. The new prototype showed increasing sophistication in design, including numerous subtle changes from the first two prototypes. The new airframe introduced modified diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) intakes, stealth coating, streamlined underwing fairings, and redesigned vertical stabilizers. Analysts noted new equipment and devices for multi-role operations, such as integrated targeting pods for precision-guided munition, and six additional passive infrared sensors can also be spotted around
10976-464: The type of radar that J-20s use has not yet been released publicly. Some analysts believed that J-20s used Type 1475 (KLJ-5) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with 1856 transmit/receive modules, but more recent information revealed that this radar was designed for upgraded versions of the J-11D. Other analysts point out that, based on the nose cross-section of the J-20 and known data about
11088-454: The usual demands of flight, the design of a stealth or low-observability aircraft aims to reduce radar and infrared (thermal) detection, including: The distance at which a target can be detected for a given radar configuration varies with the fourth root of its RCS. Therefore, in order to cut the detection distance to one tenth, the RCS should be reduced by a factor of 10,000. Rotorcraft introduce
11200-637: The visibility of military aircraft . Single examples of the Fokker E.III Eindecker fighter monoplane , the Albatros C.I two-seat observation biplane , and the Linke-Hofmann R.I prototype heavy bomber were covered with Cellon . However, it proved ineffective, and even counterproductive, as sunlight glinting from the covering made the aircraft even more visible. The material was also found to be quickly degraded both by sunlight and in-flight temperature changes, so
11312-520: The wreckage it was revealed this helicopter had stealth characteristics, making this the first publicly known operational use of a stealth helicopter . Stealth aircraft were used in the 2011 military intervention in Libya , where B-2 Spirits dropped 40 bombs on a Libyan airfield with concentrated air defenses in support of the UN no-fly zone. Stealth aircraft will continue to play a valuable role in air combat with
11424-474: Was shot down by a Serbian Isayev S-125 'Neva-M' missile commanded by Colonel Zoltán Dani . The then-new B-2 Spirit was highly successful, destroying 33% of all Serbian bombing targets in the first eight weeks of U.S. involvement in the war. During this war, B-2s flew non-stop to Kosovo from their home base in Missouri and back. In the 2003 invasion of Iraq , F-117 Nighthawks and B-2 Spirits were used, and this
11536-763: Was easily circumvented by flying at night. The U.S, UK, and Israel are the only countries to have used stealth aircraft in combat. These deployments include the United States invasion of Panama , the first Gulf War , the Kosovo Conflict , the War in Afghanistan , the War in Iraq and the 2011 military intervention in Libya . The first use of stealth aircraft was in the U.S. invasion of Panama, where F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft were used to drop bombs on enemy airfields and positions while evading enemy radar. In 1990
11648-613: Was expected in 2010–11, with a service entry date by 2019. On 22 December 2010, the first J-20 prototype underwent high speed taxiing tests outside the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI). Three months later, the first J-20 prototype made its maiden flight in Chengdu . The first prototype was painted with the number "2001". In May 2012, the second prototype took flight in the CADI facility. Several changes were made to
11760-429: Was reported that issues with the development of the WS-15 engine, particularly the reliability of the turbine blades overheating at top speeds were fixed. The WS-15 reportedly required further development after failing final verification testing at the end of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed further delays. In March 2022, Chinese state media reported that the WS-15 engine completed final testing. In November 2021,
11872-425: Was selected as the replacement for AL-31 due to delays on the testing and production of the WS-15 engine. Aircraft powered by WS-10Cs were flying by September 2019. The engine has a thrust of 142-147 kN, a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9.5, providing necessary propulsion for J-20 to supercruise , and is fitted with serrated afterburner nozzles for enhanced rear-aspect stealth. Flights with prototypes powered by
11984-579: Was speculated to be used to test the WS-15 engine and thrust-vectoring. In March 2023, the executive of Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced the serial production of the WS-15 has started. FlightGlobal speculated that small-scale production and in-flight testing with the J-20 fighter was underway. On 29 June 2023, a J-20 fighter in yellow primer was observed taking off from Chengdu Aircraft Cooperation airfield fitted with reportedly two WS-15 engines. Clear photo of WS-15 equipped J-20A fighter taking flight appeared in 2024. In October 2023,
12096-515: Was the last time the F-117 would see combat. F-117s dropped satellite-guided strike munitions on selected targets, with high success. B-2 Spirits conducted 49 sorties in the invasion, releasing more than 1.5 million pounds of munitions. During the May 2011 operation to kill Osama bin Laden , one of the helicopters used to clandestinely insert U.S. troops into Pakistan crashed in the bin Laden compound. From
12208-403: Was to be equipped with thrust vectoring control. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact engine type. Analyst Andreas Rupprecht expressed skepticism regarding the use of Russian engines on the J-20, as he believes that the J-20 is using a variant of the WS-10, which he called the WS-10C. This engine has improved thrust, stealthier serrated afterburner nozzles, and higher reliability, but it
12320-706: Was unimportant in the case of these two aircraft since both were designed to be bombers. More recent design techniques allow for stealthy designs such as the F-22 without compromising aerodynamic performance. Newer stealth aircraft, like the F-22, F-35 and the Su-57 , have performance characteristics that meet or exceed those of current front-line jet fighters due to advances in other technologies such as flight control systems, engines, airframe construction and materials. The high level of computerization and large amount of electronic equipment found inside stealth aircraft are often claimed to make them vulnerable to passive detection. This
12432-413: Was used, and confirmed that it would have been a poor absorber if used, concluding that the Ho 229 did not have stealth characteristics and was never intended to be a stealth aircraft. Modern stealth aircraft first became possible when Denys Overholser, a mathematician working for Lockheed Aircraft during the 1970s, adopted a mathematical model developed by Petr Ufimtsev , a Soviet scientist, to develop
12544-407: Was virtually invisible to radar. Lockheed soon developed the Have Blue into F-117. Reduced radar cross section is only one of five factors the designers addressed to create a truly stealthy design such as the F-22. The F-22 has also been designed to disguise its infrared emissions to make it harder to detect by infrared homing ("heat seeking") surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles. The F-22 puts
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