Experts discuss demonstration flights of Chinese fifth-generation J-20 fighters at the Zhuhai air show. Recall, that the Chinese developers themselves refer to these aircraft as a new generation (4-mu - according to Chinese classification), although not all foreign experts are ready to consider the J-20 as such.
Analyzing J-20 flights as part of an air show, experts note, that the fighter "obviously lacks dynamics". In flight, the plane "does not demonstrate lightness", especially when performing aerobatics.
Aerobatics are selected in such a way, so that problems with their implementation are not conspicuous. And these flights were also carried out with a minimum payload..
In this regard, the opinion was expressed that, that it is extremely difficult to attribute the Chinese J-20 to ultra-maneuverable fighters today.
It should be noted, that an updated modification of the Chinese fifth generation fighter was presented at the Zhuhai air show – J-20B. These aircraft are distinguished by an enlarged internal compartment for weapons., which simultaneously affected the combat radius. Due to the reduction in the volume of fuel tanks, the combat radius of the J-20 (J-20B) dropped by about 7 percent.
In China, they believe, that this was the last air show, on which the J-20B appeared without the upgraded Chinese WS-15 engines. The developers claim, that by the end of this year all the problems (and there are many) with these engines will be eliminated. In particular, stated, before the end 2021 this problem will be fixed, as the loss of thrust of the power plant when reaching operating temperatures.
experts note, that the J-20B at the Zhuhai air show showed all its weaknesses, giving additional reason for skeptics to doubt, is it worth it at all to rank it among the fifth generation fighters. noted, what if it were not for the stealth coating, then J-20 – aircraft, which at best belongs to the generation 4+ without supermaneuverability.
used photos:China TV, @ Fun Military News
