By Li Qiang
On April 19, Li Gang, China’s first test pilot of the fighter jet J-20, talked about the future development of the fighter jet in an interview, which has drawn widespread attention.
Li Gang thought that the J-20 fighter jet should be equipped with a thrust vector control (TVC) engine that can deflect in the vertical direction, and its air-to-ground strike capability should also be enhanced.
Some analysts believed that these words are proof that the J-20 is to be equipped with TVC engines, while some others thought that Mr. Li’s remarks were just an expression of personal wishes rather than proof of something. Whatever, for the time being, it should be well-reasoned for the J-20 to be equipped with TVC engine s, and to be improved on its air-to-ground strike capability.
An anonymous military expert said that at present, the US and Russia's new-generation aircraft of heavy-duty had been equipped with TVC engines, which can greatly improve the post-stall maneuverability of fighter jets.
Both the US F-22 Raptor and Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter can perform the freefall floating falling leaf maneuver , one of the signature moves largely enabled by the special engine. Although the performed maneuver may not be used on the battlefield, it is of great benefit to improving the low-speed maneuverability of aircraft. In addition, the thrust vectoring nozzle also contributes to enhancing the supersonic maneuverability of aircraft.
After China mastered the technology in developing the TVC engine, it’s sure to equip the J-20 with such engine. Previously at the Zhuhai Airshow, China’s J-10B, equipped with the latest vector one modified based on the “Taihang” serial engines, performed ultra-high aircraft technology.
Besides, according to Li Gang, the development of the J-20 should also focus on strengthening its air-to-ground capability in the future, making it a stepping-stone in improving the Chinese military air-to-ground strike capabilities.
There have been experts pointing out that a major function of stealth fighters is to "kick the door down " in a high-threat environment, that is, to strike at the high-value targets of the opponent's air defense system and command system at a critical time. Thereby, it’s also an inevitable trend for the J-20 to improve this air-to-ground strike ability.
Editor’s note: This article is originally published on huanqiu.com, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
