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J-20 vs F-22: Stealth Fighter Showdown Explained

J-20 vs F-22: Stealth Fighter Showdown Explained

The J-20 vs F-22 comparison remains one of the most debated topics in modern airpower. China’s Chengdu J-20 represents Beijing’s push toward fifth-generation stealth aviation, while America’s F-22 Raptor remains the benchmark for air-superiority fighters. This short analysis highlights key differences in engine performance, radar cross-section, avionics, maneuverability, long-range engagement capabilities, and battlefield roles. With both jets shaping U.S.–China military strategy, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is essential for defense analysts, aviation enthusiasts, and policymakers. Explore how these two stealth giants stack up in real-world scenarios and future combat environments.

	Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighter Jet F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet

Price
Our Rating	8.0 8.0
Manufacturer	Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) Lockheed Martin
Category	Fighter Jets Fighter Jets

General Information

Name	Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon F-22 Raptor
Manufacturer	Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense
Country of Origin	China United States
Type / Role	Stealth Air Superiority / Multirole Fighter Air Superiority Stealth Fighter
Generation	5th Generation Fifth Generation
Status	In Active Service In active service
First Flight	January 11, 2011 September 7, 1997
Introduction / In Service Since	March 2017 December 15, 2005
Number Built	200+ (estimated as of 2025) 187 operational units
Operators	People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) United States Air Force

Dimensions & Structure

Length	20.4 m (67 ft) 62 ft (18.9 m)
Wingspan	13.5 m (44 ft) 44.5 ft (13.6 m)
Height	4.45 m (14.6 ft) 16.7 ft (5.1 m)
Wing Area	~78 m² 840 sq ft (78 m²)
Empty Weight	19,000 kg 43,340 lb (19,700 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	37,000 kg 83,500 lb (38,000 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	2 main + 2 side bays 3 total (1 centerline, 2 side)
External Hardpoints	4 (optional) 4 (non-stealth configuration)

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0+ Mach 2.25 (2,414 km/h)
Range	2,000 km 1,840 miles (2,960 km)
Combat Radius	1,100 km 530 miles (850 km)
Service Ceiling	66,000 ft (20,000 m) 65,000 ft (19,800 m)
Rate of Climb	60,000 ft/min 62,000 ft/min (315 m/s)
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~1.1 1.26
G Limits	+9 G +9 G

Powerplant

Engine Type	WS-15 (or AL-31FM2 on earlier units) Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan
No. of Engines	2 2
Thrust (each)	30,000 lbf (WS-15, projected) 35,000 lbf (156 kN)
Thrust Vectoring	Yes (newer variants) Yes (2D pitch vectoring)
Fuel Capacity	~25,000 lb (internal) 18,000 lb (8,200 kg) internal

Armament

Gun	None (internal space optimized for stealth) 1× M61A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-10, PL-15, PL-21 (future) AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	KD-series guided missiles JDAM, SDB
Bombs	Precision-guided bombs (optional) GBU-32 JDAM, GBU-39 SDB
Hardpoints	4 external (non-stealth use) 4 external (optional)
Payload Capacity	~11,000 kg 18,000 lb (8,200 kg)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Type 1475 AESA radar AN/APG-77 AESA radar
Radar Range	~200+ km 125+ miles (200+ km)
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated ECM suite AN/ALR-94 suite
Targeting System	Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) Integrated multi-sensor fusion
Helmet Display	Yes Standard HUD (no HMD in baseline)
Navigation	Inertial + Satellite-assisted GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Semi-autonomous flight control Digital fly-by-wire
Communication	Encrypted data links, satellite comms Intra-flight data link, secure comms

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Estimated 0.025–0.1 m² ~0.0001 m²
Stealth Features	Shaping, RAM coating, internal bays Radar-absorbent materials, internal weapons
Infrared Signature Reduction	Engine shrouds, thermal coating Engine exhaust shielding
Sensor Fusion	Yes Yes
Networking Capabilities	Integrated with PLAAF command networks Limited Link-16, proprietary data link

Variants

Special Export Versions

Experimental electronic warfare variant None (export restricted)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None confirmed Syria (2014–present)
Notable Operators	PLAAF USAF (Air Combat Command, PACAF)
Combat Proven?	Not yet combat-tested Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, long-range interception, precision strike Air superiority, interception, precision strike

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$100–120 million (estimated) ~$150 million (flyaway)
Development Cost	Classified ~$67 billion (program total)
Program Name	Mighty Dragon Program Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF)
Funding Countries	China United States only

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	WS-15 engine, new avionics, EW enhancements Avionics, radar, networking, sensors
Future Replacement	None (core 5th-gen fleet) NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance)
Export Restrictions	Not for export U.S. Congress export ban
Notable Achievements	First operational stealth fighter in Asia First operational 5th-gen fighter
Competitors	F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Su-57 Felon F-35 Lightning II, Su-57, J-20

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