The new dual-seater J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth is the first 5th generation fighter of its kind to be seen in images. Having a second seat leaves the pilot free to do other tasks. The co-pilot could control slave UAVS too. That was revealed in 2021 and bypassed its USAF competitors.
China's J-20 Mighty Dragon
German-based Chinese military aviation expert Andreas Rupprecht says the twin-seater is the second prototype of a third sub-class, with a dark-grey color scheme and numbered 2032 in the nose, reported EurAsian Times.
Some differences exist in the Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) placed on the plane's chin. Additional modifications to the new prototype include the removal of the nosecone sideways sensors and the absence of the antenna/sensors on the inlet, indicating that the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) sensor has been rearranged.
All the modifications could be made to reduce electromagnetic interference. Every antenna, sensor, and even a datalink similar to an F-35 could be used as a warning system for radar and lasers.
The J-20S, a two-seater variant, took flight for the first time in October 2021 with its full-yellow factory roll-out paint scheme. In addition, images from July 2022 demonstrate the 5th generation first dual seater having a bigger canopy and a stud supporting the canopy's central frame, noted Min News.
Observations on the J-20
The internal missiles and artillery were stored in weapons bays with all doors open, with landing gear structures unsuitable for aircraft carrier operations.
It is envisaged the J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter will be able to land on a carrier, per Military Watch Magazine.
Short-range PL-10E air-to-air missiles are mounted on two right structures, two ring launch pylons, and side launch bay doors. These pylons spin outwards as the bay door opens and closes, making the missile ready to fire in a dogfight.
The primary weapons are kept in the main bay doors underneath the belly with four PL-15 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles with a 300-kilometer range. Even before a dogfight, it takes 10 seconds to prepare the short-range missile. It demonstrates how maneuverable the variant is in confined spaces and how well-equipped its avionics, network, data-linking, and sensor fusion systems are.
The jet's maneuverability in flight is still up for debate, but a video of it flying and maneuvering supported the claim. The Mighty Dragon uses the Russian AL-31F or Chinese WS-10C engines, but the WS-15 is already in place. It should be able to match the kinetic performance of the Su-35, F-35, and F-22 with high thrust and super-cruise.
Controlling Automated AI Wingmen
The dual-seat stealth fighter pilots will benefit from not using simulators; the second officer can undertake long-range attack missions or tasks like ground support.
On September 29, 2021, at the Zhuhai airshow, it will be used to control the Fei Hong FH-97 surveillance and attack drone concept, which is the most anticipated and exciting application.
According to a report from the Global Times on January 23, the J-20 could be equipped with Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and even a sophisticated radar for specialized fighter-cum-early warning capability.
Developing a 5th generation dual seater of the J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter under the radar of the US is a significant factor as it gives new capabilities to the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
