F-35 vs J-20

By: Rocco

Comparing the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II vs the Chengdu J-20? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Fighter Jets
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
ICAO: F35 Status: Active Visit aircraft page
Chengdu J-20
Fighter Jets
Chengdu J-20
ICAO: Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page

General

Units
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
F35
Produced
2011–Present
Price
$115.5 million (2018)
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
43,000 lbf · 191 kN -46% (total)
Avionics
JSF Cooperative Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Chengdu J-20
Manufacturer
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
ICAO code
Produced
2009–Present
Price
$100 million (2018)
Engine
2 × Shenyang WS-15
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 40,000 lbf · 178 kN +86% (total)
Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1

Dimensions

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
51 ft 6 in 15.70 m 51 ft 6 in 15.70 m -32%
Tail height
14 ft 8 in 4.48 m 14 ft 8 in 4.48 m -10%
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m -100%
Wing span
35 ft 1 in 10.70 m 35 ft 1 in 10.70 m -29%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Chengdu J-20
Cabin width
Cabin height
Cabin length
Exterior length
75 ft 6 in 23.00 m 75 ft 6 in 23.00 m +46%
Tail height
16 ft 5 in 5.00 m 16 ft 5 in 5.00 m +12%
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 7 in 2.00 m 6 ft 7 in 2.00 m
Wing span
49 ft 3 in 15.00 m 49 ft 3 in 15.00 m +40%
Baggage volume

Weights

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Max payload
18,000 lb 8,150 kg 18,000 lb 8,150 kg -36%
Fuel capacity
2,760 gal 10,448 L 2,760 gal 10,448 L -34%
Max takeoff weight
70,000 lb 31,800 kg 70,000 lb 31,800 kg -14%
Chengdu J-20
Max payload
28,000 lb 12,700 kg 28,000 lb 12,700 kg +56%
Fuel capacity
4,166 gal 15,770 L 4,166 gal 15,770 L +51%
Max takeoff weight
81,500 lb 37,000 kg 81,500 lb 37,000 kg +17%

Performance

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Max cruise speed
1,043 kt · 1,200 mph 1,932 km/h 1,043 kt 1,200 mph 1,932 km/h -22%
Approach speed
250 kt · 288 mph 463 km/h 250 kt 288 mph 463 km/h
Rate of climb
40,000 ft/min 203 m/s 40,000 ft/min 203 m/s -33%
Range
1,500 nm · 1,730 mi 2,780 km 1,500 nm 1,730 mi 2,780 km -53%
Service ceiling
65,000 ft 19,800 m 65,000 ft 19,800 m -2%
Takeoff distance
550 ft 170 m 550 ft 170 m
Landing distance
700 ft 210 m 700 ft 210 m
Chengdu J-20
Max cruise speed
1,333 kt · 1,534 mph 2,469 km/h 1,333 kt 1,534 mph 2,469 km/h +28%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
60,000 ft/min 305 m/s 60,000 ft/min 305 m/s +50%
Range
3,200 nm · 3,680 mi 5,930 km 3,200 nm 3,680 mi 5,930 km +113%
Service ceiling
66,000 ft 20,100 m 66,000 ft 20,100 m +2%
Takeoff distance
Landing distance

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.

F-35 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

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.

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.