Although the J-20's forward stealth and range are impressive, its size could make it less effective as a strike fighter. The mission types that Chinese pilots can perform will determine what the J-20's final use is. It could be used to strike at sea, which would make it more useful than an air superiority fighter.
WS-10/Taihang engine
China's stealth fighter jet, the J-20, was developed in Chengdu and could possibly use a WS-10 engine in the future. A WS-15 turbofan is also being developed in China, and could also be used by the J-20.
China's first high-thrust turbofan engine (WS-10/Taihang) is being tested. It will likely match similar engines in the US and Russia. Although the engine has been tested on J-10 aircraft by the Chinese government since 2011, it was not yet seen on a production plane until 2019.
Twin-seat version
Recently, the Chinese Global Times reported on the benefits of a twin-seat J-20. This new type could carry out a range of missions, including electronic warfare and the command of wingmandrones. It can also bomb. The J-20 with twin seats would have more flexibility than the J-20 that relies on Russian engines. It would be able to achieve air superiority with no need for ground-based flight crews.
China has not yet accepted a single-seat J-20 into service. But, a twin seat version would make them more efficient. While this aircraft will not have the advanced weapons and systems that other fighters have, it is still expected to be capable of performing a precision strike.
Potential electronic jamming capabilities
The J-20 is an innovative stealth fighter that can also be used to jam electronic systems. It could also be equipped with an array of electronic warfare pods, including the EA-18G, which can work with both stealth and manned aircraft. It could also come with anti-radiation rockets like Growler. The PLA could seek to enhance its electronic warfare capabilities and expand on its existing capabilities in the future.
The J-20 is slated to carry a variety of advanced electronic systems, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA), a chin-mounted infrared/electro-optic search and track sensor, and an advanced passive electro-optical detection system. These systems should have 360-degree spherical coverage and match those of F-35. A communications suite will be installed on the J-20, which will allow it to datalink to friendly platforms currently in service and in development.
Cost
The fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter plane is a critical part of China’s efforts in modernizing its military operations. Its design focuses on stealth and manoeuvrability and many people have compared it to the Lockheed Martin F-35. Although it is still very young, it has not been widely deployed.
The J-20 is a very expensive fighter. However, there are now more advanced fighter aircraft. The cost of mass production of the J-20 is expected to be between 120 and 150 millions U.S. Dollars. This is the bare-metal price without flight or long-term maintenance. China's J-20 could alter Asia's geopolitical landscape in the near future.