China’s New Fighters Emerge Plus

Last week, photos emerged of two new fighters from China’s burgeoning aerospace industry: the twin-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20, and, potentially, the carrier-borne J-XY (or J-35).

If the images are conclusive, they would signify two significant advances for China. First, the approaching availability of a twin-seat, stealthy combat aircraft. Second, a homegrown carrier-borne multirole fighter tailored for the specific needs of the People’s Army Liberation Navy (PLAN).

Twin-Seat J-20

The Chengdu J-20 was the first of China’s next-generation fighter aircraft (NGFA) out of the gate. The J-20 technology demonstrator flew in 2012. China officially debuted the J-20 at the 2016 Zhuhai Air Show. By 2018, reports had emerged of operational People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) units receiving J-20 aircraft. Based on information from Chinese defence observers, it seems that the J-20 is not yet a mainstay asset like the J-10, J-11 or J-16-series of fighters, but it is percolating into a growing number of units.

The growing adoption of the J-20 could be driving the development of a twin-engine variant. Interestingly, one does need a twin-seater for training. To-date, NGFA users around the world (entirely F-35 users) have been content with simulators. With this variant of the J-20, China will be the first with a twin-seat NGFA.

However, it would be unwise to assume that training could be the sole role of the twin-seat J-20. Rather, the PLAAF could be looking at a wider array of mission scenarios. In fact, the PLAAF uses twin-seat variants of its Flanker-series – i.e., J-11BS and J-16 – for strike and electronic attack (EA) missions. It is possible that the twin-seat J-20 could potentially take on similar roles in the future.

It is worth noting that the J-20 seems to be in a size and weight class as the Flanker-series. It uses the WS-10-series turbofan engines, for example. The J-20’s range and payload are not known. However, even if the J-20’s payload and/or range are lower than that of the Flanker-series, it could still be one of the larger stealthy aircraft flying in the world. Though it would start with a focus on air-to-air, the J-20 could evolve into a strike and special mission (e.g., EA) aircraft in the coming years.

Alternatively, the twin-seat J-20 could open the door to new air combat concepts. Like the United States, China is heavily focusing on incorporating drones, sensor-fusion, and automation into its air missions. The twin-seater could facilitate the design and application of those concepts into more tangible outcomes. It could support testing and development, or potentially, support actual frontline operations.