The debate about the J-20 vs. F-22 has been going on for over two decades. Both fighters have the ability to perform combat missions. They also offer many benefits to fleet members. A new technology is changing the way combat experiences are delivered. The Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System, or ATESA, would allow a real pilot to interact with a simulated J-20 opponent. This technology can reduce training costs for air combat pilots and solve tactical problems faced by fleet aviators.
WS-10C Engine
Rumours abound that China will replace Russia's engine in the J-20 by a domestic WS-10C motor. The Chinese military is looking to reduce their reliance on foreign engines, and this new engine is expected to be more reliable and efficient. However, it is important to understand the differences between the engines.
In January 2021, the PLA Air Force confirmed that the J-20 will be equipped with a domestically developed WS-10C engine. They made this information public through a video promoting a pilot recruitment program. The domestically developed WS-10C engine is expected to help the J-20 gain maneuverability. In addition, the fact that more J-20s will be entering service suggests the aircraft is becoming more technically mature and is in the early stages of mass production.
WS-15 nozzle
The WS-15 nozzle provides excellent maneuverability and thrust to the J-20. It is a significantly more powerful jet engine than the F119 and is likely to provide the J-20 with unmatched flight performance. In addition, the WS-15 is compatible with thrust vector control.
The J-20 program has cost the PLAAF more than $4.4 billion, with each J-20 costing about $120 million. Although its engines are Russian AL-31s and China is currently trying replace them with their own WS-15 nozzles, China hasn't been able replace as many Russian engines as it had originally planned.
AESA
The capabilities of both aircraft are identical, with the only differences being their range and engine. The Russian AL-31FM2 Russian engine generates 145kN thrust while the F-22 engine produces 180kN thrust. The stealth designs of both aircraft appear similar, although the F-22's axisymmetric nozzles are visible to radar and would compromise stealth.
Both the F-22 (J-20) and F-22 (F-22) are AESA ready and carry their weapons from internal bays. The J-20, however, has a few unique features that make it stand out from its American counterpart. The J-20 has a twin-engine configuration of canard-delta with supersonic intakes diverted-less. It also features a shaped nose. The F-22's gun system is only available for the J-20, which has an active electronically scanned area (AESA), radar.
Infrared tracking and search
The IRST sensor can be found in a spherical round enclosure mounted on the front end of fighter aircraft. It can use a staring array or a single element to scan a target's instantaneous field of view. This sensor cannot detect distances quite as accurately as radar but can provide accurate data regarding the location of targets.
However, the IRST sensor is old-style, and it will be less powerful than a civilian surveillance camera. It won't be as efficient at detecting targets at 80km and it won’t be as fast at 20-30km. The F-22 will likely be more stealthy and faster than the J-20, which has a superior IRST.