The True Performance of Chinese Stealth Fighters [Correspondent Diary]

China's J-20 Likely Has Reduced Stealth Due to Structure... Actual Performance Unclear
China's FC-31 Development Nears Completion... High Possibility of Carrier-Based Fighter Introduction

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] On the 1st, Tiananmen Square in China. Fifteen of China's 'J-20' stealth fighters appeared at the 100th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. The J-20 squadron, which China proudly maintains in the shape of the number 71 representing July 1st, flew over Tiananmen Square.

Chinese media reported after the event that the J-20 squadron flight was the highlight of the 100th anniversary celebration. They expressed pride in the J-20, saying it demonstrates the rapid development and achievements of China's aviation industry. The J-20, which China proudly developed, was first unveiled in 2016 and deployed in 2018. It is currently known to be operated in numbers exceeding 100.

The J-20, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), is classified as a 5th generation fighter, but there are considerable doubts about its actual performance. First, its stealth capability. The J-20 measures 20.3m in length, 12.9m in width, and 4.5m in height, making it larger than the U.S. main stealth fighters, the F-22 and F-35.

Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jet (Photo by Global Times)

Also, it is designed as a wing-body hybrid with forward horizontal wings (canards) instead of horizontal tail wings. The larger radar cross-section is generally evaluated as reducing stealth performance.

Its thrust is also pointed out as a disadvantage. The J-20's maximum speed is known to be around Mach 2.2 to 2.4, but there are assessments that continuous Mach flight is difficult due to low engine output. Consequently, it is predicted that the weapons that can be loaded in the internal weapons bay, such as air-to-air missiles, will be limited.

There are also doubts about the performance of the installed radar. The dominant view is that the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar performance will lag behind that of the F-22 or F-35. These estimates of the J-20's performance are merely speculation, and the actual capabilities of this fighter remain unconfirmed.

Meanwhile, the Chinese state-run media Global Times reported that on the 30th of last month, the day before the Communist Party founding congress, a prototype of another Chinese stealth fighter, the 'FC-31,' was exhibited.

The FC-31 is a 5th generation stealth fighter being developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) in China. Its prototype was unveiled in 2014, and it is known to have succeeded in test flights in 2019.

Chinese FC-31 stealth fighter jet (Photo by China Daily)

The FC-31 is smaller than the J-20, measuring 17m in length and 12m in width. Its top speed is estimated to be around Mach 1.8. Because of this, there is speculation that it may be introduced as a carrier-based aircraft. Currently, the Chinese Navy uses the 'J-15,' which is benchmarked on the Russian 'SU-33,' as its carrier-based aircraft. The J-15 is generally evaluated as no match for the U.S. Navy's F-35C (carrier-based) and the U.S. Marine Corps' F-35B (vertical takeoff and landing). It is also difficult to guarantee victory in maritime air combat against the F-18 Hornet (U.S. Navy carrier-based aircraft), which lacks stealth capabilities.

The Global Times cited actual Chinese weapons experts, stating that the FC-31 exhibition by the developer signifies that stealth fighter development has entered a groundbreaking stage, and mentioned that the FC-31 could be used as a carrier-based aircraft for the Chinese Navy. The FC-31 is the manufacturer's code name, and if deployed in the Chinese military, it is expected to be named 'J-31.'

The J-20 airshow and the prior FC-31 exhibition at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party's founding seem to carry implicit meaning. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (President), emphasized in his 100th anniversary speech that "a strong country must have a strong military, and only a strong military can guarantee national security." He continued, "On the new journey (the new 100 years), we (China) must follow the path of strengthening the military, and we will strengthen the military through the construction, reform, and modernization of the military with Chinese characteristics."