The J-20 vs. F-22 debate has been ongoing for more than twenty years. Both fighters have the ability to perform combat missions. They also offer many benefits to fleet members. A new technology is changing the way combat experiences are delivered. Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System - ATESA - would allow a real pilot interact with a simulated J-20 rival. This technology could reduce air combat training costs, and solve tactical problems that fleet aviators face.
WS-10C engine
There are rumors that China will replace the Russian engine in the J-20 with a homegrown WS-10C engine. The Chinese military is seeking to reduce dependence on foreign engine suppliers and this new engine should prove to be more reliable than the old one. However, comparing the two engines, one should be clear about the differences in each of them.
In January 2021, the PLA Air Force confirmed that the J-20 will be equipped with a domestically developed WS-10C engine. They made this information public through a video promoting a pilot recruitment program. The J-20 will benefit from the domestically-developed WS-10C engine. Additionally, more J-20s will enter service, indicating that the aircraft has reached a higher technical maturity and is now in the early stages.
WS-15 nozzle
The WS-15 nozzle delivers a powerful thrust and great maneuverability to the J-20. It is a significantly more powerful jet engine than the F119 and is likely to provide the J-20 with unmatched flight performance. In addition, the WS-15 is compatible with thrust vector control.
The J-20 program has cost the PLAAF more than $4.4 billion, with each J-20 costing about $120 million. China is currently trying replacement of the Russian AL-31s with their own WS-15 nozzles. However, China has not been able to replace as many of the Russian engines as originally anticipated.
AESA
Both aircraft have similar capabilities. The main differences between the two aircraft are the engine and the range. The Russian AL-31FM2 engine powers the J-20, which produces 145kN thrust. The F-22's engine produces 180kN thrust. Both appear to have a similar stealth design. However, the F-22's canards and radar exposed axisymmetric nozzles make stealth difficult.
Both the F-22 as well as the J-20 are AESA equipped and can store their weapons inside of internal bays. The J-20, however, has a few unique features that make it stand out from its American counterpart. It has a canard delta twin-engine configuration, supersonic intakes with diverted-less supersonic intakes, and a shaped nostril. The F-22 is equipped with a gun system, while the J-20 uses active electronically scanned antenna (AESA) radar.
Infrared search and track
The IRST sensor is usually installed in a spherical enclosure made of glass on the fighter plane's front. It can use a staring array or a single element to scan a target's instantaneous field of view. This sensor is not as effective at detecting distances as radar, but it provides accurate data on the location of targets.
The IRST sensor is an old-style device and will not be as powerful as a civilian surveillance camera. It won't be able to detect targets at 80km as well as it won't work as fast at 20-30km. The F-22 is likely to be faster and stealthier, while the J-20 has a superior IRST system.