Fighter Pilots React to China's New Stealth Fighter JH-XX

Summary

The video discusses China's latest stealth fighter, the JH XX, with expert commentary from a seasoned F-16 pilot. The pilot analyzes the aircraft's size, maneuverability, and technology, comparing it to existing fighter jets like the F-22 and J-20. The discussion highlights the JH XX's potential as a missile carrier, its stealth capabilities, and its limitations in dogfighting due to its size and design. The video also delves into the stealth features and engine configurations of the aircraft, with insights into its performance and possible roles in combat. The experts conclude that while it's a significant step forward, it may not match the agility of Western jets.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new Chinese stealth fighter, likely a sixth-generation jet, is large and designed with stealth as its primary goal, but it may not excel in maneuverability.
• 😀 Despite its size, the jet may not be as maneuverable as smaller, more agile fighters like the F-16, making it vulnerable in close combat situations.
• 😀 The fighter uses flaperons, combining the functions of ailerons and flaps, and lacks traditional rudders or tail stabilizers, suggesting a unique design for controlling flight.
• 😀 There are no visible signs of thrust vectoring, meaning the jet might struggle with agility at low speeds, despite its powerful engines.
• 😀 The JH-XX’s lack of dogfighting capability in close-range combat means it would be at a disadvantage against more nimble fighters like the F-16.
• 😀 The fighter could potentially carry a significant load of long-range missiles, but it likely lacks a traditional gun, focusing more on stealth and missile engagements.
• 😀 The jet is compared to the YF-23 in design, with elements reminiscent of earlier advanced fighters like the F-22, though it may not be as technologically advanced as current American fighters.
• 😀 The JH-XX is expected to be more suited for missile strikes at long ranges, particularly against AWACS or tanker aircraft, rather than high-speed dogfighting.
• 😀 The size of the jet means it would appear much larger than an F-16, making it easier to spot and target from a distance, especially in a dogfight scenario.
• 😀 While the JH-XX may be stealthy and capable of operating at high altitudes without leaving contrails, its maneuvering abilities and overall design raise questions about its real combat effectiveness.

Q & A

What are the first impressions of the new Chinese fighter jet?

The new Chinese fighter jet appears to be quite large, which raises questions about its maneuverability. Despite its size, it has interesting design features, such as flaperons (control surfaces that combine the functions of both ailerons and flaps).

How does the large size of the fighter jet impact its maneuverability?

The large size of the fighter jet can make it more challenging to maneuver. While it might perform well in a single turn, its size and weight could cause it to lose energy quickly, making it difficult to maintain high maneuverability without sufficient engine power.

What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of the aircraft’s design for dogfighting?

In a dogfight, the large size and likely low maneuverability of the aircraft would be a disadvantage, as it would be easy for a smaller fighter like the F-16 to engage. However, if the engagement takes place at close range, the large aircraft may be more effective. At longer ranges, its stealth and potentially longer-range missile capabilities could be an advantage.

How does the JH-XX compare to China’s J-20 in terms of design and capabilities?

The JH-XX is a larger aircraft than the J-20, likely making it less maneuverable due to its size and design. The JH-XX seems to be a stealth-focused jet, possibly positioned as a sixth-generation aircraft, while the J-20 is often considered a fifth-generation fighter.

Do experts believe the JH-XX is built for high-speed flight like the SR-71 or SR-72?

The JH-XX is not believed to be designed for extreme speeds like the SR-71. Its motors appear to be more traditional, suggesting that it's built for stealth and carrying weapons rather than high-speed flight. The aircraft seems to be optimized for subsonic or Mach 2 speeds.

What is the significance of the design choices made in the JH-XX’s fuselage and wings?

The fuselage and wing design of the JH-XX are optimized for stealth, with every part providing lift but also generating drag, which could hinder its maneuverability. The aircraft uses a delta wing configuration, similar to older models like the F-16, and does not appear to have any advanced thrust vectoring systems.

What are the key limitations of the JH-XX in terms of combat capabilities?

The JH-XX seems to have several limitations. Its large size makes it less agile in close-quarters combat, and it lacks advanced features like thrust vectoring, which would enhance its maneuverability. Additionally, the absence of a gun suggests that it is likely designed for long-range missile engagements rather than dogfighting.

Could the JH-XX be a manned or unmanned aircraft?

The JH-XX is most likely a manned aircraft. The design and layout of the fuselage, including the cockpit area, suggest that it would be piloted, although it could eventually be adapted for unmanned operation.

Why does the video suggest the JH-XX is not yet on par with the most advanced stealth technology?

The JH-XX, while stealthy, appears to be a work in progress with technology that may be 15 to 20 years behind the most advanced stealth fighters. The design shows some signs of not being fully refined, such as visible radar-reflective elements like the nose cone and actuator bubbles, which reduce its stealth potential.

What role could the JH-XX play in a combat scenario?

The JH-XX could serve as a stealthy missile truck, able to carry and launch a large payload of long-range missiles. It could be used to target AWACS and tankers from a distance, staying above the contrails and engaging targets with minimal detection. However, in close-range dogfights, it would likely be outclassed by more maneuverable aircraft.