weasel1962 wrote:I don't think there is enough weight data to validate a claim that the J-20 is under-powered. The F-35 carries 13-18k lbs of fuel but has only 75% thrust of the twin AL-35F J-20. No one here thinks the F-35 is under-powered. The Su-27/34 are larger planes than the J-20. Is the Su-34 also under-powered?
The 58k lb thrust F-15E is a d*mn good bomb truck. Based on those specs, Not sure why a J-20 can't replicate some of those qualities. They could be however trade offs e.g. smaller fuel tank/payloads?
On a separate note, China TV had a broadcast on its JSOW equivalent (1000lb class 60+km ranged wingkit cargo bomb).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAqF3l-HHw0
With max fuel and weapons as fuel burns down the J-20 P:W is quite similar to J-10. F-15E always has better P:W and it gets quite a bit better, sooner, as its fuel burns down to and past 50% level. I don't think they compare well.
The J-20 does have F-35 sensor/comms and network ISR targeting layout which is IMO, the real issue even if it doesn't have attack weapons yet, or the mature sensors. It's going to be a big threat even without the attack weapons on board. Especially if it does get a real engine capability improvement in 5 to 10 years that enables external standoff weapon delivery, on top of internal stealthy A2A.
It's how those J20 sensors and comms are exploited as network data which will be the problem, near term, as opposed to becoming a bomb truck later. Their P:W is a bit meh, if they just use it with VLO tactics to leverage the ISR data flow for targeting, instead of lose them engaging in aggressive A2A. I don't see why they would focus on A2A more than absolutely needed, to kill tankers or other main enablers, they need a lot more numbers and system maturity first.
weasel1962 wrote:Is the Su-34 also under-powered?
Su34 isn't a dedicated A2A platform though, and J20 isn't a bomb truck. It does need more thrust than it has to compete with the F-22A at high altitude. That's what it's supposed to be a reply to. But LO design means it can get by without the added thrust to do that, for now.
[Better hope it never has an F-35A chasing its tail though ...

]