
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.