China's current fifth-generation stealth plane is the J-20 Mighty Dragon'. It has just been put into mass production. China Central Television shows the J-20 performing low-speed maneuvers, including a vertical climb, and turning. It also appears to be capable of thrust vectoring controls, which will enhance the maneuverability of the aircraft. These controls allow the pilot to change the direction of the exhaust tubes, redirecting thrust. This gives the pilot an advantage when maneuvering quickly or evading missiles.
China has been creating thrust vectoring engines since more than two decades. These engines were demonstrated for the first time at Zhuhai's 2018 air show. Chinese engineers have been working over the years to develop a high-thrust engines, which are a vital component of this aircraft. The J-20 is currently equipped with a WS-10C domestic engine. The engine's design has not been optimized for thrust vectoring controls. PLA Air Force has been testing local vector-thrust turbinefans on the J-10B 2-seat fighter. Chinese air forces will confirm that J-20s are equipped with engines built in China in January 2021.
Although thrust vector controls are not used as much by Western designers, they have been taken seriously by Chinese designers. Thrust vector controls are believed to improve the fighter's post-stall maneuverability and increase air-to-ground strike capability. Also, thrust vector controls may improve radar stealth capability. These advantages could be crucial for the Chinese air force in its quest to compete with the United States.
Chinese engineers have been developing a high-thrust engine with a rectangular design. These engines are said more maneuverable then other types thrust vectoring motors. They are expected give the J-20 a competitive edge in the modern air combat environment. They are also claimed to be more powerful that other engines. According to a source familiar to China's engine design program, all WS-10C-powered J-20s will have thrust vectoring capability by the end of this year.
PLA has already deployed J-20s as part of its air force units for East China Sea and Taiwan Strait control. These units are performing exercises to bridge the US-China air combat capability gap. The aircraft's weapons compartment will be able to hold up to six long range bombs. It can also carry heavy warheads. Although the aircraft is designed for air superiority, it can also be used to carry heavy warheads.
The J-20 was intended as an interceptor. It will now be a more agile dogfighter, thanks to the introduction of thrust vectoring control. It will be able perform quick maneuvers which will give it an advantage in air to air combat.
The F-22 Raptor aircraft is the only one in the world to have thrust vector controls. US air combat doctrine emphasizes high-energy, stealthy and far-reaching missile attacks. The US F-22's thrust vector control systems enable the pilot to change the direction of the exhaust nozzles to redirect thrust. The F-22's pilot also has the ability to perform a freefall floating fallen leaf maneuver. This enhances low speed maneuverability.