The J-20 and F-22 debates have been ongoing for more then two decades. The fighters offer many benefits for the fleet and are capable of carrying out combat missions. But, there is a new technology that could revolutionize the combat experience. The Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System, or ATESA, would allow a real pilot to interact with a simulated J-20 opponent. This technology would reduce the cost of air combat training and solve tactical issues for fleet pilots.
WS-10C engine
According to rumors, China could replace the Russian engine on the J-20 with a WS-10C domestic engine. The Chinese military is looking to reduce their reliance on foreign engines, and this new engine is expected to be more reliable and efficient. Comparing the engines is not an easy task. It's important to be aware of the differences between them.
In January 2021, the PLA Air Force confirmed that the J-20 will be equipped with a domestically developed WS-10C engine. This information was made public by the PLA Air Force in a video that promoted a pilot recruitment program. The J-20's maneuverability will be improved by the domestically designed WS-10C engines. In addition, the fact that more J-20s will be entering service suggests the aircraft is becoming more technically mature and is in the early stages of mass production.
WS-15 nozzle
The WS-15 nozzle is designed to deliver a high thrust and excellent maneuverability for the J-20. The WS-15 nozzle is significantly more powerful than the F119 jet engine and will likely provide unmatched flight performance for the J-20. In addition, the WS-15 is compatible with thrust vector control.
PLAAF's J-20 Program has cost it more than $4.4billion. Each J-20 is worth about $120m. Its engines are Russian AL-31s, but China is currently trying to replace them with their own WS-15 nozzles. China is not able to replace all the Russian engines, as was originally expected.
AESA
They are very similar in terms of their capabilities. However, the engines and range of the F-22 and J-20 aircrafts differ greatly. The J-20 is powered by a Russian AL-31FM2 engine that produces 145kN of thrust, while the F-22 has an engine that produces 180kN of thrust. The stealth designs of both aircraft appear similar, although the F-22's axisymmetric nozzles are visible to radar and would compromise stealth.
Both the F-22, as well as both the J-20, are AESA-equipped. They also carry their weapons within internal bays. The J-20, however, has a few unique features that make it stand out from its American counterpart. For example, it features a canard-delta twin-engine configuration with diverted-less supersonic intakes and a shaped nose. The F-22, on the other hand, has a gun and active electronically scanned array radar (AESA).
Infrared Tracking and Search
The IRST sensor can be found in a spherical round enclosure mounted on the front end of fighter aircraft. It can use a staring array or a single element to scan a target's instantaneous field of view. This sensor cannot detect distances quite as accurately as radar but can provide accurate data regarding the location of targets.
The IRST sensor works in an older style and will therefore be less effective than a civilian camera. It will not be as effective at detecting targets at 80km, and it won't be as fast at 20-30 km. The F-22 will likely be more stealthy and faster than the J-20, which has a superior IRST.