✈️ Full Specifications
| Designation | J-20A/B/S |
| Manufacturer | Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group |
| Country | 🇨🇳 China |
| First Flight | 2011 |
| Service Entry | 2017 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 21.2 m (69.6 ft) |
| Wingspan | 13 m (42.7 ft) |
| Height | 4.45 m (14.6 ft) |
| Empty Weight | 17,000 kg (37,485 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 37,000 kg (81,585 lb) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2 |
| Max Speed | 2,100 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 m (65,620 ft) |
| Range | 5,500 km (3,416 mi) |
| Engine | 2 × Shenyang WS-10C / WS-15 (latest blocks) |
| Thrust (each) | Dry 89 kN · AB 142 kN |
| Production | 250 |
| Unit Cost | $110.0M USD |
🌐 Operators
🔁 Variants
- J-20A — Initial production with WS-10C engines
- J-20B — Improved with thrust vectoring
- J-20S — Twin-seat variant for command and CCA control
⚔️ Armament
Overview
The J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ is China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, making China the second country (after the US) to field an operational stealth combat aircraft. Its large, long-range design suggests a focus on striking high-value targets like tankers and AWACS rather than pure dogfighting.
Design & Development
The J-20 features a large delta wing with canards, DSI (Diverterless Supersonic Inlet), internal weapons bays, and all-aspect stealth shaping. It is significantly larger than the F-22, suggesting emphasis on range and payload. Initial production uses Russian AL-31F engines, with indigenous WS-15 engines planned for full supercruise capability.
Operational History
Entering service in 2017, the J-20 is deployed with multiple PLAAF brigades. Production has accelerated, with estimates of over 200 aircraft delivered. The twin-seat J-20S variant has been spotted, potentially serving as a weapons systems officer platform for controlling loyal wingman drones.
Armament
- Internal weapons bays (stealth):
- PL-15 long-range BVR missiles
- PL-10 short-range IR missiles (side bays)
- External (non-stealth):
- PL-21 ramjet-powered ultra-long-range
- Various PGMs
Large internal bays suggest anti-AWACS/tanker role with very long-range missiles.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the J-20?
The J-20 has an estimated top speed of Mach 2.0+. Exact figures are classified by China.
Is the J-20 a copy of the F-22?
While sharing the 5th-gen concept, the J-20 has a distinctly different design — larger, with canards, optimized for long range.
How many J-20s have been built?
Over 200 estimated as of 2024, with production accelerating.
Is the J-20 in service?
Yes. China’s first 5th-generation stealth fighter, in service since 2017 with the PLAAF.