Currently, China's only operational fifth-generation stealth fighter is the J-20 'Mighty Dragon'. It has just been put into mass production. China Central Television shows the J-20 performing low-speed maneuvers, including a vertical climb, and turning. It may also be capable of thrust-vectoring controls which will improve the aircraft’s maneuverability. These controls allow pilots to adjust the direction of their exhaust nozzles, redirecting thrust. This can be useful for pilots who need to avoid missiles or perform sudden maneuvers.
China has been making thrust vectoring engines in China for more than twenty years. The Zhuhai airshow in 2018 was the first to show these engines. Chinese engineers have been working over the years to develop a high-thrust engines, which are a vital component of this aircraft. The J-20 has a home-made WS-10C motor. The engine design is not optimized for thrust-vectoring controls. PLA Air force has been testing domestic turbofans for thrust vectoring control on the J-10B fighter-jet. The Chinese air force will confirm in January 2021 that J-20s will have engines made in China.
Thrust vector controls have been abandoned by most Western designers. However, Chinese designers have always been interested in this technology. The Chinese designers believe thrust vector controls could improve fighter post-stall maneuverability as well as enhance air-to ground strike capabilities. The thrust vector controls are also capable of improving radar stealth capabilities. These advantages are important for China's air force when it competes with the United States.
Chinese engineers have been creating a high-thrust engine in a rectangular form. These engines are said to be more maneuverable than other types of thrust vectoring engines. These engines are expected to give J-20 an advantage in modern air combat environments. They are also believed to be stronger than other engines. According to a source familiar in China's engine program, all WS-10C WS-20C engines will be upgraded to offer thrust vectoring capabilities.
Already, the PLA has deployed J-20s to the air force units responsible for the Taiwan Strait or the East China Sea. These units are participating in exercises to close the gap between the US and their air combat capabilities. The aircraft's weapons bay will accommodate four to six long-range bombs. The aircraft can also carry heavy warheads. Although the aircraft is designed for air superiority, it can also be used to carry heavy warheads.
The J-20 was originally intended to be an interceptor. But with the introduction of thrust vectoring controls, it will become a more agile dogfighter. The aircraft will also be able to execute sudden maneuvers, which will make it a formidable opponent in air-to-air battle.
The F-22 Raptor is one of the few aircraft that has thrust vector control. US air combat doctrine emphasizes high-energy, stealthy and far-reaching missile attacks. The US F-22's thrust-vector control systems allow pilots to adjust the direction and flow of the exhaust nozzles to redirect thrust. It also gives the F-22's pilot the ability to perform a freefall floating falling leaf maneuver, which enhances low-speed maneuverability.