Chengdu J-20

China’s stealth fighter built for advanced air superiority missions.

Overview

Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group China 2009–Present $100 million (2018)

The Chengdu J-20 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Introduced in the 2010s, it incorporates low-observable design features and advanced avionics. The aircraft represents a major step in China’s combat aircraft development.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Shenyang WS-15
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 40,000 lbf · 178 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
75 ft 6 in  ·  23.00 m
Tail height
16 ft 5 in  ·  5.00 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 7 in  ·  2.00 m
Wing span
49 ft 3 in  ·  15.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
81,500 lb  ·  37,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
28,000 lb  ·  12,700 kg
Fuel capacity
4,150 gal · 15,800 L · 12,600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,333 kt  ·  1,534 mph  ·  2,469 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
3,200 nm  ·  3,680 mi  ·  5,930 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
66,000 ft  ·  20,100 m
Rate of climb
60,000 ft/min  ·  305 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Chengdu J20

Operational Context

Chengdu J-20 — fifth-generation stealth fighter

The J-20 first flew in 2011 and entered service in 2017. It features a delta wing with canards and internal weapon bays designed to reduce radar cross-section. The aircraft is intended to conduct air superiority and long-range strike missions.

Powered by twin turbofan engines producing approximately 30,000 pounds of thrust (133 kN) each depending on variant, the J-20 is capable of supersonic cruise and high-altitude operations. Maximum takeoff weight is estimated to exceed 75,000 pounds (34,000 kg). Armament is carried internally to preserve stealth characteristics.

The J-20 represents China’s first operational stealth fighter. It is central to the modernization of the country’s air combat capabilities. Production continues with ongoing engine and avionics refinements.

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