Chinese J-20, 6th-Gen May Seek To Copy F-35 “Sensor-Fusion” Computing

By OlawaleL Abaire, Warrior contributor

Do you know that China’s Chengdu J-20, also known as Mighty Dragon, is a stealth air superiority fighter jet designed with precision strike capability and has three variants: the initial J-20A model, the thrust-vectoring and its twin-seat aircraft teaming capable J-20S?

However, the Mighty Dragon is not a 6th generation aircraft. It is classified as a fifth-generation fighter.

China’s 6th-Generation Aircraft: The Journey So Far

During the Zhuhai Aerospace Show in Guangdong, China in 2022, two intriguing aircraft designs garnered attention. China, keen on advancing its air force capabilities, showcased models representing sixth-generation fighter aircraft.

China’s development of a 6th-generation fighter aircraft appears to be progressing with a focus on stealth, advanced aerodynamics, and integrated systems likely to leverage artificial intelligence (AI).

The Chinese state-backed newspaper has published details about the emerging People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force 6th-gen aircraft, indicating that it will have autonomous computerized capabilities to organize and present information for pilots, suggesting a significant role for AI in its operation.

The aircraft is expected to have a longer combat range, stronger stealth capabilities, and a larger load of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.