Chengdu J-20 (fighter)

History

2023: Product Announcement

In early April 2023, it became known about China's decision to use its Chengdu J-20 fighters in tandem with supersonic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The J-20 military aircraft was developed by the Chinese aviation industrial corporation Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIG) and adopted in 2017. The main part of the tactical and technical characteristics of the fighter is kept secret. It is known that the combat range reaches 2000 km, and the maximum flight altitude is 20,000 m. Take-off weight can be up to 36,300 kg.

Chengdu J-20 fighter

According to The South China Morning Post, Beijing will use specialized drones in conjunction with the J-20. We are talking about the FH-97A drone, a model of which was shown at an air show in Zhuhai (Guangdong province) in November 2022. The idea is to use supersonic UAVs to escort fighters and perform missions that could pose a threat to pilots.

It is said, in particular, that the FH-97A is designed to combat enemy drones, as well as manned combat vehicles, including strategic bombers and fighters. The Chinese drone could carry eight smart air-to-air missiles or other ammunition on board, making up for the J-20's shortage of weapons. Drones will be able to protect the fighter from attack by enemy aircraft. In addition, the devices will FH-97A be able to fly ahead of the aircraft with the crew in order to attack targets without putting human pilots at risk. Drones will also be able to patrol the airspace, stopping reconnaissance flights of foreign aircraft. When China can take the new complex into service, nothing is reported.^[1]

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