J-20 ‘Yellow Skin’ Unveiled: Is China’s 6th-Gen Jet Near?

On June 29, China welcomed a highly anticipated domestic fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-20 “Yellow Skin.” The J-20 accelerated down the runway and soared into the sky, capturing the attention and anticipation of onlookers. Through the dissemination of videos and photos, we learned that the J-20 was equipped with the WS-15 engine, providing a glimpse into the long-debated concept of the “full-spec” J-20.

Comparing the takeoff video of the J-20 at the Zhuhai Air Show with this recent runway video, it is evident that the “Yellow Skin” J-20 had a shorter runway time. Considering that Chengdu experiences hot and dry conditions at the end of June, unlike the humid weather in Zhuhai, the few seconds of difference raises even higher expectations for this “fourth-generation large thrust” fighter jet.

The high expectations for the J-20 mainly stem from the impressive WS-15 engine. The WS-15 was once known as the “long-delayed” engine due to its premature exposure. At the end of 2006, a photo surfaced five years before the unveiling of the J-20 prototype and only a year after the design finalization of the domestically produced third-generation large-thrust WS-10 engine. It is worth imagining that while the WS-10 design was still relatively fresh, the “fourth-generation large thrust” seemed to have moved beyond the realm of paper designs, creating anticipation for the next level of maturity.

However, it wasn’t until 2012 that the comprehensive demonstration for the WS-15 engine’s development project was completed and revealed in a book published by the Aviation Industry Press. Starting from the second half of 2006, the delivered engine components were only used for individual testing, which could be considered as a “fourth-generation large thrust manufacturing qualification examination” for the entire national aviation engine industry, still premature for the actual WS-15 engine.

As the J-20 project had less than two years left for development, seeking a transitional power solution became an inevitable choice. Based on improvements in third-generation WS-10 engine technology, the J-20 went through the process from a verification aircraft to a prototype and then to small-scale production, making appearances at the Zhuhai Air Show and military parades. Yet, military enthusiasts never forgot about the “official empress” who hadn’t received official news for a long time.

On July 7, 2018, Academician Liu Daxiang, responsible for coordinating China’s aeroengine research and development, mentioned in a public lecture that the development of China’s fourth-generation military small-bypass ratio aeroengine was progressing smoothly and would be finalized within the next 3-5 years. This was the first authoritative disclosure of the development progress of the WS-15 after years of silence in the media. Three years later, during the China Airshow press conference on September 28, 2021, J-20 Flight Demonstration Commander Li Jikuan confirmed that this was the first public display of the J-20 equipped with domestically produced engines. Although the roaring engine in the skies of Zhuhai at that time wasn’t the WS-15, it had already played the first “blue sky symphony story” of its own on the J-20.

The inclusion of the WS-15 engine further enhances the performance of the J-20. It provides greater thrust, improving the aircraft’s maneuverability and supersonic range. Additionally, the aircraft’s power supply, cooling, and hydraulic systems have also been upgraded, offering higher redundancy capabilities. These improvements enable the J-20 to better handle complex combat situations, enhancing its overall survivability.

The advancements in the J-20 also signify significant breakthroughs in China’s aviation industry in terms of production and technology. Currently, China’s aviation industry has surpassed Russia and Europe in fighter jet production, demonstrating robust manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess. As the production numbers of the baseline J-20 continue to increase, the development of the next-generation fighter jet is also progressing.

The development of China’s aviation industry relies on nationwide collaboration and overall progress. Under the promotion of domestication, domestically produced components are gradually replacing imported ones, raising the level of indigenization for various types of domestically produced aircraft.

In conclusion, the debut of the J-20 “Yellow Skin” represents a major breakthrough in China’s aviation industry. With continued technological advancements, China’s aviation industry is poised to take a leading position in the development of next-generation fighter jets. The nation’s aerospace industry has already made a name for itself globally, showcasing formidable manufacturing capabilities and technological strength. We eagerly anticipate the future development of China’s aviation industry.