Ain't one of the main points of fifth Gen engines is to be more efficient? Am I missing something
J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread VIII
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
The core tech stack is more efficient but how you employ your improved margins to optimize for different aspects of performance is a different matter.
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There is always the tradeoff. You can either have higher speed/supercruise at the expense of lower maximum thrust (sea level) and range.
In the future, the J-20 is likely to evolve along two distinct technical paths or variants:
One variant, powered by the WS-10C2 engine, will prioritize cruising capability. It will offer extended range but slightly inferior high-speed performance.
The other variant, equipped with the WS-15 engine, will focus on burst power (raw thrust). It will excel in high-altitude, high-speed penetration, albeit with a shorter range.
Existing airframes will be gradually retrofitted with the WS-10C2, while newly manufactured units will primarily feature the WS-15. These two paths will run in parallel and evolve independently.
In 10 to 15 years, when Variable Cycle Engines (VCE) mature, we will see a combination of both advantages—though by then, we will likely be in the era of 6th-generation fighters.
One variant, powered by the WS-10C2 engine, will prioritize cruising capability. It will offer extended range but slightly inferior high-speed performance.
The other variant, equipped with the WS-15 engine, will focus on burst power (raw thrust). It will excel in high-altitude, high-speed penetration, albeit with a shorter range.
Existing airframes will be gradually retrofitted with the WS-10C2, while newly manufactured units will primarily feature the WS-15. These two paths will run in parallel and evolve independently.
In 10 to 15 years, when Variable Cycle Engines (VCE) mature, we will see a combination of both advantages—though by then, we will likely be in the era of 6th-generation fighters.
This is really unnecessary when you can just lean on aerial refueling and drop tanks.