Don't wait too long otherwise the F-35 would be running out of fuel therefore had to return back to base not know the J-20 was there all along.
Nah! just call BP airborne, and say "Fill Er UP! and charge it to my favorite Uncle!", and that is the beauty of depth and capacity, you don't have to leave stuff behind just to bring enough JP. As to who will emerge the Victor, I'm rather certain who has the depth in Avionics and Situational Awareness???
Those combat air-patrols will honestly tell us most of what we need to know??? how strong is the radar return?? at what range do we pick you up, do we have enough return for a reliable target "LOCK".
You are always telling us, "Its all about the Program" and a lot does depend on the program, but you've got to have the hardward to do the job, and the F-35 is going IOC rapidly, the USAF has 100 A models right now/?? at least 1/2 to 3/4 of those combat coded, the others dedicated testors???
the Chinese likely hope to "quietly get the J-20 into service" and it will not likely be on many "roust-abouts", the F-35 on the other hand will be like the Raptor and operating out front??? just the way it works, when you know the equipment works. So the program is important, but the hardware/software must "boot up" and run, or you have nothing???
It is far more likely that the day to day business of minding the store, and patrolling the vast sea area that China is attempting to lay claim to, will be handled by Flankers, both J-11s and J-15s, then we will see whats really shakin, and no doubt the USN will continue to operate and upgrade the SHORNET's. It will be an interesting mix of four and fifth gens, very interesting.
Now we have a clue as to the reason for the J-20s large onboard tankage, but remember, you have to carry most of your fuel everywhere you go?? and that cuts down on combat load, as well as maneuverability, there is NO Free Lunch!
