Home
Catalog
Fighter Jets
Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter

Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter

Brand: Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC)
Category: Fighter Jets
Add to Compare

Generation 5th
Maximum Speed Mach 2.0+
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range ~200+ km (AESA)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
Manufacturer	Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC)
Country of Origin	China
Type / Role	Stealth Air Superiority / Multirole Fighter
Generation	5th Generation
Status	In Active Service
First Flight	January 11, 2011
Introduction / In Service Since	March 2017
Number Built	200+ (estimated as of 2025)
Operators	People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	20.4 m (67 ft)
Wingspan	13.5 m (44 ft)
Height	4.45 m (14.6 ft)
Wing Area	~78 m²
Empty Weight	19,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	37,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	2 main + 2 side bays
External Hardpoints	4 (optional)

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0+
Range	2,000 km
Combat Radius	1,100 km
Service Ceiling	66,000 ft (20,000 m)
Rate of Climb	60,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~1.1
G Limits	+9 G

Powerplant

Engine Type	WS-15 (or AL-31FM2 on earlier units)
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	30,000 lbf (WS-15, projected)
Thrust Vectoring	Yes (newer variants)
Fuel Capacity	~25,000 lb (internal)

Armament

Gun	None (internal space optimized for stealth)
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-10, PL-15, PL-21 (future)
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	KD-series guided missiles
Bombs	Precision-guided bombs (optional)
Hardpoints	4 external (non-stealth use)
Payload Capacity	~11,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Type 1475 AESA radar
Radar Range	~200+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated ECM suite
Targeting System	Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
Helmet Display	Yes
Navigation	Inertial + Satellite-assisted
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Semi-autonomous flight control
Communication	Encrypted data links, satellite comms

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Estimated 0.025–0.1 m²
Stealth Features	Shaping, RAM coating, internal bays
Infrared Signature Reduction	Engine shrouds, thermal coating
Sensor Fusion	Yes
Networking Capabilities	Integrated with PLAAF command networks

Variants

Special Export Versions

Experimental electronic warfare variant

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None confirmed
Notable Operators	PLAAF
Combat Proven?	Not yet combat-tested
Mission Types	Air superiority, long-range interception, precision strike

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$100–120 million (estimated)
Development Cost	Classified
Program Name	Mighty Dragon Program
Funding Countries	China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	WS-15 engine, new avionics, EW enhancements
Future Replacement	None (core 5th-gen fleet)
Export Restrictions	Not for export
Notable Achievements	First operational stealth fighter in Asia
Competitors	F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Su-57 Felon

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced stealth shaping and radar-absorbent coating
Long-range capability for deep-strike missions
AESA radar and high-end avionics suite
Powerful PL-15 long-range missile integration
Continuous modernization and WS-15 engine upgrades

CONS

Limited combat testing and real-world experience
Engine reliability issues (older variants)
Less agile than Western counterparts
Dependence on imported components (early versions)
Limited transparency on actual performance

J-20 Mighty Dragon:

The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon represents China’s most advanced leap into fifth-generation stealth technology. Developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the J-20 was designed to assert Chinese air dominance in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. First flown in 2011 and entering service in 2017, it stands as the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) flagship air-superiority and strike platform.

Design and Capabilities

Engineered for stealth and long-range engagement, the J-20’s sleek delta canard design, blended fuselage, and radar-absorbent materials minimize radar cross-section. It is powered by twin turbofan engines—initially Russian AL-31Fs, but now transitioning to indigenous WS-15 engines with thrust-vectoring control. The aircraft can reach speeds over Mach 2 and has a combat radius exceeding 1,100 km.

The J-20 integrates Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Electro-Optical Targeting Systems (EOTS), and advanced sensor fusion for networked warfare. Internal weapons bays conceal PL-10 short-range and PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles, maintaining stealth while ensuring lethality. Its situational awareness and AI-assisted cockpit design reflect China’s growing sophistication in next-gen avionics.

Operational Role

Intended primarily for air superiority, deep strike, and anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) missions, the J-20 supports China’s strategic goal of deterring regional threats and countering U.S. assets like the F-22 and F-35. Although not yet fully combat-proven, the J-20 continues to evolve with new radar, engine, and electronic warfare upgrades.

Variants

Field	Example
J-20A	Initial production model
J-20B	Upgraded variant with WS-15 engines
J-20S (Twin-Seat)	Experimental electronic warfare variant

Reviews

Be the first to add a Review

Please post a user review only if you have / had this product.
Your Name *
Your Email *
Review Title *
Review Text *
Rate this Product
Technology:

8
Performance:

8
Firepower:

8
Range & Endurance:

8
Reliability & Maintenance:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

Disclaimer Note

The information provided on TheDefenseWatch.com is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of our content regarding defense and aerospace products, technologies, and specifications, we cannot guarantee that all information is 100% accurate or up-to-date due to the evolving nature of military technology and classified data. TheDefenseWatch.com does not warrant the reliability, suitability, or availability of the information for any specific purpose. Users are advised to consult official sources, such as manufacturers, government publications, or defense agencies, for precise and verified data before making decisions based on our content. We are not affiliated with any defense manufacturers, governments, or military organizations mentioned. Opinions, reviews, and ratings reflect expert analysis but are subjective and should not be considered endorsements. TheDefenseWatch.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this website’s content. External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TheDefenseWatch.com reserves the right to update or modify content without prior notice. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.