I think the main issue with the J-20 is that while it is a lot more complex than the F-35 because of the internal weapons carriage it can only store the same amount of 4x long range air to air missiles. It does have the advantage of the short range missile side bays but do you even want to get to short range with the J-20? Compare this with the F-15 or the F-14 or MiG-31 which could carry a lot more missiles externally.
I think they need to figure out some way to store at least 50% more missiles internally. i.e. 6x long range air to air missiles.
The J-20 should be faster and more maneuverable when it gets the latest generation engines. But I think unless they increase its payload, sensors, and multiple-target engagement enough, it will be hard to counter the F-35's numbers in Asia.
There is always the chance that China will develop their own single engine stealth aircraft to counter the F-35 and replace the J-10 but so far we haven't heard anything about it. And no, a twin-engine aircraft like the FC-31 is not a proper counter because it will cost a lot more in man-hours to build than a single engine aircraft. Just look at the Russians experience with the MiG-29 and the Su-27. For like 20% less cost you get a vastly worse aircraft with like half the payload and much less range. It makes no sense except for naval air arm.
I think they need to figure out some way to store at least 50% more missiles internally. i.e. 6x long range air to air missiles.
The J-20 should be faster and more maneuverable when it gets the latest generation engines. But I think unless they increase its payload, sensors, and multiple-target engagement enough, it will be hard to counter the F-35's numbers in Asia.
There is always the chance that China will develop their own single engine stealth aircraft to counter the F-35 and replace the J-10 but so far we haven't heard anything about it. And no, a twin-engine aircraft like the FC-31 is not a proper counter because it will cost a lot more in man-hours to build than a single engine aircraft. Just look at the Russians experience with the MiG-29 and the Su-27. For like 20% less cost you get a vastly worse aircraft with like half the payload and much less range. It makes no sense except for naval air arm.
