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Air ForcesChina

J-20

Stealth air superiority fighterIn serviceFielded 2017Pending verification

Also known as: FAGIN, Mighty Dragon

Air ForcesCHN
J-20
Photo: N509FZ · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeStealth air superiority fighter
Alternative designationsFAGIN, Mighty Dragon
Date of introduction2017
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerChengdu Aerospace CorporationMed[1]
Crew1Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length20.4 m67 ftMed[1]
Wingspan13.5 m44 ftMed[1]
Wing area78 m2Med[1]
Empty weight19,391 kg42,750 lbMed[1]
Gross weight32,092 kg70,751 lbMed[1]
Max takeoff weight37,013 kg81,600 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine2 × WS-10B or AL-31FM2 afterburning turbofanMed[1]
Thrust / power140 or 145 kN (31,000 or 33,000 lbf) with afterburnerMed[1]
Range6,000 km3,728 mi · 3,240 nmiMed[1]
SpeedMach 2Med[1]
Combat range2,000 kmMed[1]
Service ceiling20,000 m65,617 ftMed[1]
G limits+9/-3Med[1]
Thrust-to-weight0.92 (1.12 with loaded weight and 50% fuel) with AL-31FM2 (estimated)Med[1]
Protection
Stealth PropertiesAnalysts noted that the J-20's nose and canopy use a similar stealth shaping design as the F-22, yielding similar signature performance in a mature design at the front, while the aircraft's side and…Med[1]
Heat Signature ReductionYesMed[1]
Chaff / flaresYesMed[1]
Armament and payload
Hardpoints4× under-wing pylon capable of carrying drop tanks.Med[1]
Internal weapons baysPL-10 short range AAM; PL-12 Medium Range AAM; PL-15 BVR long range AAM; PL-21 Long Range AAM; LS-6 Precision-guided bombMed[1]
Main Gun SystemThe J-20 is reported to lack an internal autocannon or rotary cannon, suggesting the aircraft is not intended to be used in short range dogfight engagements with other aircraft but engage them with from long standoff ranges with missiles such as the PL-15 and…Med[1]
ArmamentPL-15; PL-21; LS-6Med[1]
Fire control
Active Electronically Scanned ArrayType 1475 (KLJ-5) active electronically scanned arrayMed[1]
Optical Targeting SystemEOTS-86 electro-optical targeting system (EOTS)Med[1]
Infrared Search and Track SystemEORD-31 infrared search and trackMed[1]
Targeting and CommunicationPrototypes after application "2011" and production models feature revised nose section with an electro-optical/infra-red targeting system and an advanced communications suite on…Med[1]
Sensors noteOfficial information on the type of radar that J-20s use have not yet been released publicly. Some analysts believed that J-20s used Type 1475 (KLJ-5) active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar…Med[1]
Variants
J‑20This is the original single‑seat production version that entered PLAAF service in 2017, forming the baseline “Mighty Dragon” design. It established the core airframe, stealth shaping, and internal weapons bay layout that the later variants build on.[1]
J‑20AChinese official media describe J‑20A as an upgraded variant of the original J‑20, still single‑seat but with improved airframe, avionics and performance.[1]
J-20SThe J-20S Chinese Stealth Air Superiority Fighter is a two-seat, tandem-cockpit version of the J-20 “Mighty Dragon” and is the world’s first twin-seat fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for combat rather than training.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
PL-15Active Radar-Guided Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Range
300 km186 mi · 162 nmi
Type
Active Radar-Guided Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Guidance
Active Radar-Guided
Speed
Mach 4
Length
4.0 m
PL-21Active Radar-Guided Long Range Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Type
Active Radar-Guided Long Range Air-to-Air Missile
Guidance
active radar with AESA
Length
5.5 m
LS-6Precision-Guided Bomb
Med[1]
Type
Precision-Guided Bomb
Guidance
INS with GPS or laser guidance
Warhead
Various gravity bombs
Speed
Free-fall
Summary

The J-20 (FAGIN) Chinese Stealth Air Superiority Fighter is China’s first operational fifth‑generation stealth fighter, built for long‑range air superiority and central to the PLAAF’s high‑end combat power.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. J-20 (FAGIN) Chinese Stealth Air Superiority Fighter, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-06-16 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-05 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
  • 2026-10-06 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)