Aircraft Comparison By

F-35 vs J-20

The F-35 and the J-20 are both fifth-generation fighter jets. They are both extremely advanced aircraft, and they both have a lot of features in common. However, there are also some significant differences between them.

In this article, we will compare the specs and features of the F-35 and the J-20, so that you can decide which one is right for you.

Aircraft: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Chengdu J-20
Photo:
F 35A Lightning II
Chengdu J20
Country: United States China
Manufactured: from: 2011 to: Present from: 2009 to: Present
ICAO: F35 -
Price: $115.5 million $100 million
Avionics: JSF Cooperative Avionics -
Engine: 1x Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 2x Shenyang WS-15
Engine Type: Turbofan Turbofan
Power: 43,000 pound-force 40,000 pound-force
Max Cruise Speed: 1043 knots
1,932 Km/h
1333 knots
2,469 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref): 250 knots -
Travel Range: 1,500 Nautical Miles
2,778 Kilometers
3,200 Nautical Miles
5,926 Kilometers
Fuel Economy: 0.94 nautical mile / gallon
0.460 kilometres / litre
-
Service Ceiling: 65,000 feet 66,000 feet
Rate of Climb: 40000 feet / minute
203.20metre / second
60000 feet / minute
304.80metre / second
Take Off Distance: 168 metre
551.17 feet
-
Landing Distance: 213 metre
698.81 feet
-
Max Take Off Weight: 31,751 Kg
69,998 lbs
37,013 Kg
81,599 lbs
Max Landing Weight: - -
Max Payload: 8,160 Kg
17,990 lbs
12,700 Kg
27,998 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 2,760 gallon
10,448 litre
4,166 gallon
15,770 litre
Baggage Volume: - -
Seats - Economy: 1 seats 1 seats
Seats - Business Class: - -
Seats - First Class: - -
Cabin Height: - -
Cabin Width: - -
Cabin Length: - -
Exterior Length: 15.7 metre
51.51 feet
23 metre
75.46 feet
Tail Height: 4.48 metre - 14.70 feet 5 metre - 16.40 feet
Fuselage Diameter: - 2 metre
6.56 feet
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter: 10.7 metre
35.10 feet
15 metre
49.21 feet
Wing Tips: No Winglets No Winglets
More Info: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Chengdu J-20
Data presented is for entertainment purposes and should not be used operationally.

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F-35 Lightning II

F 35A Lightning II
Editorial Team F 35A Lightning II

The F-35 is a single-seat, single-engine fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft. It is the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter and has been designed to perform a wide range of missions in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The F-35 is equipped with the latest technology, including an advanced avionics suite, a powerful F135 engine, and stealth capabilities. It also features several unique capabilities, such as the ability to take off and land vertically.

Why was the F-35 designed & built?

The F-35 aircraft was built and developed to provide superior air power for the United States and its allies. The F-35 is a 5th Generation fighter, meaning it was designed with the most advanced stealth, sensor, and weapons technology available.

The F-35 is intended to replace older aircraft, such as the F-16, F/A-18, A-10, and AV-8B Harrier. The F-35 is designed to operate in all phases of combat, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, sea surveillance, and intelligence gathering. The F-35 is also designed to be highly interoperable, meaning it can easily share information with other aircraft and ground forces. In addition, the F-35 has been designed to be more maintenance efficient than older aircraft, meaning it will require less time and money to keep operational.

Overall, the F-35 was built and developed to provide the United States and its allies with the most advanced air power available.

What purpose does the F-35 serve?

The F-35 is a versatile aircraft that serves multiple purposes in the military. Its primary function is to provide close air support for ground troops, but it can also be used for air-to-air combat and reconnaissance missions.

The F-35 is designed to be highly maneuverable, making it difficult for enemy forces to target. It is also equipped with advanced sensors and precision weaponry, making it a powerful tool in the fight against terrorism. In addition, the F-35 can be deployed in any environment, making it a valuable asset in the military’s arsenal.

Chengdu J-20

Chengdu J 20 during the opening of Airshow China in Zhuhai
Editorial Team Chengdu J 20 during the opening of Airshow China in Zhuhai

The J-20 is a twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter aircraft developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). J-20 made its first flight on 11 January 2011 and was officially revealed to the public in 2016. The J-20 is designed to be a multirole fighter with both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.

It features low-observable technology such as internal weapons bays, radar-absorbent materials, and advanced composites which make it difficult to detect with radar. J-20 has a diverse array of sensors including an active electronically scanned array radar, an infrared search and track system, and a laser designator. J-20 is armed with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs.

Why was the J-20 designed & built?

The J-20 aircraft was built and developed as a result of the Cold War. J-20 development started in the late 1970s when the Soviet Union began developing new long-range bomber aircraft, which alarmed the United States. In response, the US Air Force initiated the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program to develop a new generation of fighter aircraft that could match or exceed the performance of the Soviet Union’s bombers.

The J-20 is a twin-engine, stealth fighter jet that is designed for air-to-air combat and ground attack. It is equipped with various sensors and weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs.

What purpose does the J-20 serve?

The J-20 aircraft is a military jet fighter that serves several purposes. One of its primary functions is to provide air support for ground troops. It can also be used for air-to-air combat and reconnaissance missions. The J-20 is equipped with a variety of sophisticated weapons, including long-range missiles and laser-guided bombs. It also has a powerful engine that allows it to reach supersonic speeds.

Differences between the F-35 & J-20

J-20 and F-35 are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. The J-20 was developed by China, while the F-35 was developed jointly by the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Norway. The J-20 is a fifth-generation jet fighter, while the F-35 is a sixth-generation jet fighter. The J-20 is powered by two engines, while the F-35 is powered by one engine. The J-20 has a longer range than the F-35. The J-20 can carry more weapons than the F-35.

J-20 has stealth capabilities, while F-35 does not have stealth capabilities. The J-20 is not as expensive as the F-35. The J-20 is not as advanced as the F-35 in terms of Avionics and has less situational awareness. The J-20 cannot fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners like the F-35.

Similarities between the F-35 & J-20

The J-20 and F-35 both have similar engines. Both aircraft are powered by turbofan engines with afterburners. This gives them both high thrust-to-weight ratios, making them very agile. However, the J-20 has slightly more powerful engines, giving it a higher top speed.

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Both aircraft are also designed for stealth. They have sleek bodies with no sharp edges, and they use internal weapons bays to minimize their radar signature. The J-20 is slightly larger than the F-35, making it easier to detect on radar. However, the J-20 has an active electronically scanned array radar, which makes it difficult to track with conventional radar systems.

Both aircraft can carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs. The J-20 can carry up to eight missiles, while the F-35 can carry up to four. Both aircraft can also be equipped with laser or GPS guidance systems for precision strikes.

F-35: What’s Better

The F-35 is a better aircraft than the J-20 for many reasons. The F-35 has a more powerful engine, which gives it superior speed and agility. It also has a longer range, meaning it can stay in the air for longer and cover more ground. The F-35 is also equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and avionics, which give it an edge in combat situations.

Finally, the F-35 is cheaper to operate and maintain than the J-20, making it a more cost-effective option for militaries around the world.

J-20: What’s Better

The J-20 is a better aircraft than the F-35 for many reasons. The J-20 has a longer range, can carry more weapons, and is stealthier. The J-20 is also cheaper to operate and maintain. In addition, J-20 can fly at higher altitudes and has a better radar system. As a result, J-20 is a better choice for many missions.

Conclusion: F35 vs J20

The F35 and J20 are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. In general, the F35 is a better aircraft than the J20. However, the J20 has some advantages over the F35, making it a better choice for certain missions. Ultimately, the decision of which aircraft to use depends on the specific needs of the mission.

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About the Author

author photo
Rocco
With a passion for aviation, as well as surfing and scanning the web, Rocco is in his element analyzing aircraft data and the differences and similarities between aircraft.