At the end of last month, the official Weibo account of the Chinese Air Force published what stands as the clearest image yet of a J-20 stealth fighter firing a short-range PL-10 air-to-air missile. The missile was deployed from the internal compartment located on the aircraft’s right side. The photograph bears a strong resemblance to a video released in November of last year, suggesting it may be a screenshot from that footage. Nevertheless, it remains a significant point of interest for analysts.
It is worth noting that, unlike the U.S. stealth fighters F-22 and F-35, the Chinese J-20 is seldom photographed by observers, leaving details about its operations largely unknown. This makes the published image especially valuable, as it offers much better resolution than the video in question and allows for clearer confirmation of the PL-10 missile being used.
This is evident because the missile is deployed from the aforementioned internal compartment on the aircraft’s right side, which is specifically designed to accommodate short- to medium-range air-to-air missiles. Furthermore, the smoke trail from its propulsion system clearly indicates it was launched from this position, ruling out larger air-to-air missiles like the PL-15.
In the case of the PL-15, its launch would require the lower compartment of the aircraft, given the missile’s larger dimensions. To better understand this configuration, one can refer to images from the 2018 edition of the Zhuhai Airshow, where the Chinese Air Force showcased a J-20 with its compartments open, storing PL-15 missiles in the lower section.
This is a crucial feature for the aircraft’s stealth capabilities, as storing weapons internally helps maintain the J-20’s original shape and reduces its radar signature. However, when engaging in aerial combat, J-20 pilots can opt to keep the compartment doors open at all times, allowing for easier deployment of guided missiles.
Lastly, it is notable that the image was released shortly after the presentation of the J-20S at this year’s Zhuhai Airshow. This model was previously unveiled in 2022 with a yellow paint scheme characteristic of a newly produced aircraft. The J-20S is the twin-seat variant of the advanced Chinese stealth fighter, reportedly designed to enhance its ability to work alongside collaborative unmanned platforms, such as the GJ-11 drone. The second pilot can focus on these operations more effectively, as well as handle electronic warfare tasks.
Cover image: Chinese Air Force
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