Through the release of a series of new images on its social media channels, the state-owned company Chengdu has revealed to the public its progress in manufacturing the new fifth-generation J-20A stealth fighter. The images show several new airframes that have recently rolled out of the factory, suggesting the start of serial production and subsequent delivery to the Chinese Air Force. This development comes just weeks after the Asian giant disclosed new details about the variant, in the context of the 15th anniversary of the original J-20’s maiden flight—an occasion during which additional information was also provided regarding the two-seat variant known as the J-20S.
Providing further details, the company stated on its official channels that the new J-20As seen in the images were part of a flight-test and pilot training program carried out across five different locations, involving ten different types of aircraft, including unmanned systems. While the images show the aircraft on the runway and in the air, it was also specified that prior indoor testing was conducted to ensure the operability of all systems.
Drawing on some official statements in this regard: “This initiative, achieved through scientific organization and overall coordination, integrates all elements such as various types of aircraft, flight-test conditions, crew resources, and support capabilities. It promotes the development of ‘two new integrations’: new-type productivity and new-type combat capabilities, and represents a solid test-flight attempt toward the systematic application of modern aviation equipment.”
It is worth recalling at this point that the new J-20As are configured as an improved variant of the original single-seat J-20, incorporating several easily observable changes to its external design. In particular, this includes the addition of a new raised section at the junction behind the rear of the cockpit, which would reduce aerodynamic drag and therefore improve the fighter’s performance in supersonic flight, while also providing additional space for the potential installation of an extra fuel tank or new systems. In addition, the cockpit position has been modified to give it greater height, which is expected to positively affect the pilot’s field of view.
Finally, while it cannot be clearly discerned in the new photographs, the J-20A fighters are expected to be equipped with the new domestically produced WS-15 engines, in order to provide greater thrust than that generated by the WS-10 currently used or the Saturn AL-31 engines that were initially employed to power the platform. This is a significant detail, considering that further technologies are expected to be developed for future integration into the fighter, increasing power-generation requirements to support these advances. For the time being, one of these aircraft has already been observed fitted with the WS-15 during the month of December, marking a major step forward for China’s aviation industry.
*Image credits: AVIC
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