The J-20 was developed more recently than the F-22 and is designed for long-range missions. Its larger airframe accommodates more internal fuel and weapons but compensates for less efficient domestic jet engines. Despite improvements, many analysts still consider the F-22 superior, though the performance gap has narrowed.
Captain Chris Bergtholdt from the 1st Operations Support Squadron described one of the Raptor’s key strengths: "A small piece of the F-22's capabilities lie in its ability to perform maneuvers that other fighters cannot perform - and at very low airspeeds.”
The F-22 features radar-absorbing coatings, thrust-vectoring nozzles for enhanced maneuverability, and internal missile bays to reduce drag and radar signature. Its Pratt & Whitney F119 engines allow sustained supersonic flight without afterburners—a capability known as supercruise—though this comes with some speed limitations due to stealth-oriented design choices.
China’s J-20 is characterized by a broad delta wing behind prominent canards, giving it significant internal volume for fuel storage. The aircraft’s long combat radius addresses China’s limited aerial refueling capacity compared to Western forces. The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) reports that China may operate around 210 J-20s.
The J-20 is equipped with advanced sensors including an active electronically scanned array (AESA), an electro-optical/infrared search-track turret, and a distributed aperture system feeding data into its mission computer suite for networked operations.
Early versions of the J-20 used Russian engines that restricted performance; newer models use Chinese-made engines enabling short periods of supercruise. A forthcoming engine upgrade may further close the speed gap with the F-22 but is unlikely to match its agility due to differences in wing design.
In operational terms, while both jets are designed for stealth and high-tech warfare, their roles differ slightly: The F-22 excels in close combat maneuverability and all-aspect stealth; the J-20 focuses on long-range interception using extended-range missiles such as the PL-15.
Both aircraft carry sophisticated missile systems capable of engaging targets beyond visual range (BVR). In simulated or theoretical engagements, experts suggest that tactical conditions would heavily influence outcomes: “Either jet might have the first shot at a BVR missile launch, depending on conditions.” However, should a close-range encounter occur, “all signs point toward a victory for the Raptor.”
While advancements continue on both sides—including modernization initiatives for aging Raptors—the ongoing development highlights each nation’s priorities: technological superiority versus force projection over vast distances.
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