China showcases J-20 stealth fighter

China’s secretive J-20 stealth fighter has made its public debut at the Zhuhai airshow. The long-range, radar-evading plane is seen as Beijing’s answer to the U.S. military’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II

Powerplant: Reportedly two Russian-madeSaturn AL-31F turbofans. Expected to be replaced with Chinese WS-15 engines

Canard wings: Horizontal surfaces located forward of main wing

Stealth: Shaping aroundnose and engine intakes help deflect radar emissions

Tail: Twin verticalstabilizers and ventral fins

Armament: Large ventral bay and two smaller sidebays for variety of weapons

Sensors: Possible AESA* radar and electro-optical targeting system

Chengdu J-20 “Black Eagle” China
Length: 20.3m
Weight (empty): 19,400kg
Internal fuel: 11,340kg
Max. speed: 2,100km/h (estimate)
Operational: 2018 (planned)

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor U.S.
18.9m
19,700kg
8,200kg
2,410km/h (estimate)
2005

Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II U.S.
15.6m
14,650kg
6,125kg
1,930km/h
2015

Sources: Aviation Week, Lockheed Martin

*Active electronically scanned array