J-20 5th Generation Fighter VII
- Thread starter siegecrossbow
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I won't comment on the technicalities of why they're doing this, since I'm a layman and all, but from an aesthetic point of view, the J-20 looks MUCH better with the hump, it's always looked too long from the side, and I had been waiting for the J-20S to solve this issue, but now we get this treat. Goddamn sexy.
In its original form, the canopy reminds me of the Su-15 Flagon.
Obviously they are not gonna test new engines on a new airframe. I have no doubt that this is the J-20B we are waiting for though.
Sorry if I don't get it, but you mean that the latest photgraph of the J-20 is the J-20B with rear canopy hump and two WS-15s, correct?
It probably doesn’t have WS-15. Only after the airframe is proven will they add them.
How much better is WS-15 compared to WS-10 and Russian engines used on J-20 in the past?
I think there may be alot more internal changes to block B than just the hump. Kinda like how Jf-17 Block II and III on the outside look very similar but internally, there is huge leap in capabilities
I think there may be alot more internal changes to block B than just the hump. Kinda like how Jf-17 Block II and III on the outside look very similar but internally, there is huge leap in capabilities
i am inclined to agree here. given that china has been producing j-20 at such an urgent pace, it would not worth the time and possible delay for retooling and retraining if it werent for a significant upgrade.
This seems to be a less aggressive change than J-10A to J-10B. My guess is that this can probably join service in 2026 if they want to do it with WS-15. Would need a couple of years for the interior changes + the aerodynamic changes and the new engine. Which points again to the idea that PLAAF is fairly happy with WS-10C for J-20. Maybe they can continue to improve the thrust and service life a little more, but they are more or less happy with its performance. They might have as many as 500 J-20s in service before they move to J-20B with WS-15.
I'd expect quite a big interior layout change since they've added the hump and shrunk the canopy. I'm not convinced it will actually have more internal fuel space or longer range, but I do think it will have more interior space which could be used to store more advanced electronics. It will likely use the latest electric motor, batteries and heat management system. Maybe it will even be enough to use DEW. Maybe it will have space for micro missiles. Likely have a new generation AESA radar along with the latest EW suite, broadband communication. The entire industry is advancing so fast. It's pretty easy for there to be a huge performance improvement here.
I'd expect quite a big interior layout change since they've added the hump and shrunk the canopy. I'm not convinced it will actually have more internal fuel space or longer range, but I do think it will have more interior space which could be used to store more advanced electronics. It will likely use the latest electric motor, batteries and heat management system. Maybe it will even be enough to use DEW. Maybe it will have space for micro missiles. Likely have a new generation AESA radar along with the latest EW suite, broadband communication. The entire industry is advancing so fast. It's pretty easy for there to be a huge performance improvement here.
It also makes sense for them to start using the same production methods for J-20 and J-35, which means a new airframe which is easier to make/print.
The reduction in sensor size also contributes to more internal volume.
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