China is developing a new generation of two-seat stealth fighter based on its most advanced fighter jet – J-20, with a seat design that will be a world first. However, according to a Chinese military insider, its purpose differs from what was previously reported.
According to a report from South China Morning Post on August 16, China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, the developer of J-20, is converting the fighter into a two-seat stealth fighter, which will be the world’s first stealth fighter capable of accommodating two pilots.
The fighter’s design was posted on a military website operated by China’s Shenzhen-based Quantum Defense Online. The new design resembles a Russian Su-34 two-seat supersonic medium-range fighter with side-by-side seating in the cockpit, which will help the two pilots communicate better, the report said.
The military website also published a report on the improved J-20 fighter. The report stated that “as a new generation fighter with stealth and supersonic cruise capabilities, the new platform also needs to command drones, other fighters, and even ground rockets launchers, as well as surface warships and submarines”, that is to say, it will be used as a small early warning type fighter. Similarly, J-20 fighter was rumored to be testing control of J-6 unmanned jets in July 2019.
According to a Chinese military insider, the new fighter will be equipped with defensive air-to-air weapons, but will not be used as a bomber, contrary to previous reports. The military insider explained that “all bombers carrying heavy bombs are easily detected, which means that the two-seater J-20 stealth fighter will not pose any threat to US military bases or even aircraft carrier battle groups.”
Chinese military scholar Song Zhongping said that J-20 can be upgraded and modified into different improved versions because of its powerful detection capabilities and the ability to connect multi-channel intelligence. But he also pointed out that “if the new aircraft adopts a two-seater design, its development may take longer, and the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft should be significantly changed.”