
China's J-20 Stealth Fighter Aircraft
#GS-3 #Science & Technology #Defence #Current Events #International
Why in News
- World attention is focused on China's future aircraft designs, but the Chengdu J-20 has already become the main fighter jet of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
About China's J-20 Fighter
- The Chengdu J-20, also called Mighty Dragon, is a twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighter built for air control and long-range precision attacks.
- The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) developed this aircraft for the PLAAF under the J-XX programme.
- The fighter jet took its first flight in 2011 and entered official military service in 2017.
Key Features
- It uses a canard-delta wing shape and diverterless supersonic intakes to reduce radar detection and increase flight agility.
- Advanced sensors including AESA radar, Electro-Optical Targeting System, and Distributed Aperture System give the pilot full battlefield awareness.
- The jet runs on homegrown WS-10C and WS-15 engines, which allow supercruise speeds with higher performance.
- Pilots can choose stealth mode with hidden internal weapons or Beast Mode with external missiles for maximum firepower.
- The twin-seat J-20S variant can direct electronic attack systems and command loyal wingman drones in combat.
Strategic Significance
- Mass production of this aircraft helps modernise the PLAAF quickly and expands China's fifth-generation fighter fleet.
- This stealth jet improves China's ability to challenge rival air forces across the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.