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| An F-22 Raptor, the U.S. Fifth-Generation champion |
International Military - The US' Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program has entered a new chapter. The aircraft, which was built in 'secret' by the US, is known to have entered the engineering, manufacturing, and development phases. Not only that, NGAD is also expected to be on the air in 2030.
As is well known, NGAD is intended to replace the aging F-22 Raptor. Raptor problems do not stop there actually. This aircraft has avionics that have been left behind in today's era.
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The F-22 Raptor is a fighter that has problems with its maintenance requirements. Moreover, the Raptor has been discontinued since the 4 years he entered service. This means that there are not many Raptors left.
In addition, the need for a viable fourth generation air superiority fighter is becoming increasingly critical. Seeing its competitors, China's success in developing the J-20 Mighty Dragon then made the US not stand still.
Reporting from Military Watch Magazine, there is progress in China's fifth-generation air superiority fighter program. It is known that the J-20, which is currently produced in more than 30 airframes per year, is receiving rapid upgrades. The dragon also has advanced avionics on par with the American F-35 fifth-generation fighter.
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The sophistication of the J-20 Mighty Dragon then made the US Air Force General 'impressed'. Air Force General Kenneth Wilsbach noted that the J-20 fighter displays impressive command and control functions. "It's too early to say what they want to do with the J-20, so all we see is air superiority," he said.
Not only that, Wilsbach also stated that the F-35 and J-20 had met in the East China Sea. "We had a recent I wouldn't call it an engagement where we were relatively close to the J-20 along with our F-35 in the East China Sea, and we were relatively impressed with the command and control associated with the J-20," he said.
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However, it is not known when the meeting took place. The revelations come weeks after an aircraft carrier-carried USAF F-35 crashed in the South China Sea. In the end, this caused confusion in US security agencies about the possible theft of F-35 technology by China.
Citing the National Interest, despite the apparent external configuration of the J-20, its fused wing body and rounded fuselage might suggest that its stealth exterior is a "copycat" of the F-35 or F-22.
However, beyond the apparent stealth, the true margin of difference between the two aircraft is likely to be found in less visible technology variables. These include range and precision sensors, data processing systems, and precision weapons.
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If Wilsbach's comments about the J-20's ability to maneuver with an effective command and control system are accurate, it introduces new information about elements of the J-20. Most notably, it would show that at least some of the J-20's missions and computing systems were effective.
At the same time, it is important to note that even if he was "impressed" with the J-20, Wilsbach did not discuss whether he thought China's fifth-generation aircraft resembled the F-35.