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72-582: The WS-15 is intended to become the main engine of the Chengdu J-20 stealth aircraft, enabling it to supercruise , improve its range, manoeuvrability and upgrade potential for future weapon systems. It will eventually replace the Shenyang WS-10 , which currently serves as the interim engine of J-20, while the WS-15 is being refined. Development of the WS-15 afterburning turbofan engine began in

144-578: 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

216-553: 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

288-558: 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

360-484: 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

432-439: 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

504-422: 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

576-478: 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

648-501: 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

720-539: 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

792-541: 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

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864-518: 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

936-478: 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

1008-458: 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

1080-453: 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

1152-511: 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

1224-410: 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

1296-468: 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

1368-665: 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

1440-511: 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

1512-566: The Airshow China ( 中国航展 ) and Zhuhai Airshow ( 珠海航展 ), is a once-two-year international aerospace trade expo held in Zhuhai , Guangdong , since 1996. It is the largest airshow in China . The first Airshow China was held from 5 to 10 November 1996. Performances included: The second Airshow China was held from 15 to 22 November 1998. Performances included: The third Airshow China

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1584-477: 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

1656-661: 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

1728-597: 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

1800-410: The thrust vectoring control (TVC) paddles, which could be added later. Defense analysts and commentators noted WS-15 was intended to be the ultimate engine for the J-20, providing supercruise capability, enhanced reliability, improved maneuverability, better fuel efficiency and longer ranges, extra electricity production, and upgrade potential for the fighter. Spending several decades of development,

1872-620: 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

1944-531: 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,

2016-477: The J-20 fighter was underway. On 29 June 2023, a J-20B equipped with dual WS-15 engines was speculated to have made its maiden flight in Chengdu. Despite the lack of clear pictures, circumstantial evidence such as a photo of the engine installation ceremony, lack of censorship by the authorities, and modified airframe suggested the WS-15 was evidently mounted, though Janes noted the engines on trial apparently lacks

2088-463: The J-20 had performed trials with the engine and experienced significantly improved performance. In December 2022, Chinese military analysts indicated the WS-15 was undertaking the last stage of testing and development. Chinese sources suggested the engine completed its maiden flight earlier that year on an unknown airframe. In late December 2022, a prototype of the new J-20 variant was observed at Chengdu Aerospace Corporation facilities. The new variant

2160-481: 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

2232-448: 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

Shenyang WS-15 - Misplaced Pages Continue

2304-507: 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

2376-435: 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

2448-449: 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,

2520-513: 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

2592-814: 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

2664-532: 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,

2736-498: 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,

2808-517: 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

2880-480: 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

2952-410: 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

Shenyang WS-15 - Misplaced Pages Continue

3024-477: 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

3096-579: 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

3168-430: 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

3240-496: 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

3312-510: 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

3384-528: 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

3456-472: 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

3528-580: 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

3600-495: 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

3672-508: 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

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3744-411: The early 1990s. In 2005, the engine performed successfully on the testbed . An image of the core appeared at 2006 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition . In 2009, a prototype achieved 160 kilonewtons (36,000 lb f ) and a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9. The thrust target was reported as 180 kilonewtons (40,000 lb f ) in 2012. In March 2022, Chinese state media reported that

3816-404: 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"

3888-645: 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

3960-533: 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

4032-604: 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

4104-766: The induction of the WS-15 into the Chinese military was seen as a technological leap in China's domestic aviation industry. Guizhou incorporated many of the same technology as on the WS-15 to develop the WS-19 , a 10-ton thrust engine with the same footprint as the earlier Guizhou WS-13 . Data from School of Mechanical Engineering,Shandong University Comparable engines 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 ),

4176-535: 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

4248-411: 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

4320-447: 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

4392-487: 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. China International Aviation %26 Aerospace Exhibition China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition ( 中国国际航空航天博览会 ), also known as

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4464-589: 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

4536-468: 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

4608-635: 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

4680-510: Was held from 4 to 9 November 2008. Some 4 billion U.S. dollars worth of deals were signed at the six-day event, including one involving Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) selling 25 ARJ21-700 regional jets to GE Commercial Aviation Services of the United States (first delivery by 2013). Additionally, the Chengdu J-10 and Xi'an JH-7 A both made their first public appearances. Other performances included: The eighth Airshow China

4752-520: Was held from 6 to 12 November 2000. Performances included: The fourth Airshow China was held from 3 to 7 November 2002. The fifth Airshow China was held from 1 to 7 November 2004. Yang Liwei was present. Performances included: The sixth Airshow China was held from 31 October to 5 November 2006. The first three days were corporate days and not open to public. The remaining three days were public days. Over 30 countries and 600 aviation companies took part. Performances included: The seventh Airshow China

4824-472: Was held in Zhuhai from 16 to 21 November 2010. It included: The ninth Airshow China was held from 13 to 18 November 2012 and included: The tenth Airshow China was held from 11 to 16 November 2014. The eleventh Airshow China was held from 1 to 6 November 2016 and included: The twelfth Airshow China was held from 6 to 11 November 2018 and included presentation of: Originally scheduled to happen in 2020, it

4896-443: Was painted in yellow primer and different from previous J-20 aircraft in airframe and 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 had started and China "[tackled] all technical bottlenecks" with the WS-15. FlightGlobal speculated that small-scale production run and in-flight testing with

4968-429: 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,

5040-425: 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

5112-579: 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,

5184-403: 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

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