It has been confirmed! The J-20 possesses the capability for supersonic cruise.
According to reports from Global Times and other media outlets, the Eastern Theater Command’s Weibo account has also introduced the J-20. The highlights of this introduction are particularly exciting for us. Firstly, the high maneuverability allows it to easily break through enemy defenses. Additionally, its high speed enables it to achieve supersonic cruise effortlessly. Moreover, it can conduct various agile offensive and defensive operations using high sensitivity and other comprehensive information methods.
What interests me the most is not the first or last sentences, but the middle one, which states that it possesses the ability for supersonic cruise and can achieve supersonic cruise effortlessly.
Previously, we had some doubts about our J-20, especially regarding its power systems, despite having no issues with its aerodynamic design and materials. Earlier versions used Russian engines, which likely didn’t support supersonic cruise as the AL-31 engines lack this capability. However, with the new domestic engines, particularly as announced at the Zhuhai Airshow, it has been equipped with the “Chinese heart,” confirming that supersonic cruise for our J-20 is now a reality.
The Eastern Theater Command’s Weibo openly states, “easily surpass supersonic speeds and achieve supersonic cruise.” This statement is significant and indicates that many previous speculations are now becoming reality. We used to admire the American “4S” capabilities, but despite achieving excellence in design, materials, and avionics, our power systems were a significant issue.
At the airshow, we saw the J-10 performing stunts with thrust vectoring. The J-20’s successful engine replacement was also publicly announced, although the specific engine was not disclosed. From the sound heard at the airshow, which was like a flute’s whistle—distinctly different from the roar of Russian engines like those on the Su-27 and Su-35—it’s clear that the J-20’s new engine is powerful and successful.
The sound, both deep and powerful, indicates that the J-20’s engine replacement is successful. The official Weibo account’s claim of easily surpassing the speed of sound and achieving supersonic cruise practically confirms this, so we can be assured.
With the Zhuhai Airshow approaching and the Russian Su-35 set to perform, I’m particularly excited to see the J-20 again. From the formation flying and the familiar sound, it’s clear that supersonic cruise is a fundamental characteristic.
If we continue to make progress in propulsion and other technologies, transitioning from the J-20 to the JH-20 and other electronic versions of the “20” family, we will have a comprehensive “20” series. From dogfighting and air superiority to electronic suppression and concentrated attacks on deep targets, the advancements are significant. If we develop various “20” models, it demonstrates our growing capabilities.
The confirmation from the Weibo post is particularly thrilling and reassuring. We always believed in this capability, but lacked official confirmation. Now, with the Eastern Theater Command publicly introducing our cross-sea “door-kicking weapon,” the J-20 leading the charge, it signifies our advancements in fifth-generation fighter capabilities. This progress makes us look forward to the sixth-generation fighter even more. Seeing the principles and main technologies of the sixth-generation fighter at the airshow would be greatly beneficial.
This ironclad confirmation that the J-20 can achieve supersonic cruise means we can quickly reach designated areas without using afterburners. Using afterburners, we can reach and exit even faster. Fast strikes and quick retreats enhance our ability to achieve significant results in a short time, improving aircraft safety and effectively avoiding aerial combat threats. The most exciting news recently is the confirmed supersonic cruise capability of the J-20. (Du Wenlong)