China unveils full-scale mock-up of world’s first two-seat fifth-gen fighter jet at Airshow in Zhuhai. A new variant of China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet, the J-20S, has captured attention at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, commonly known as the Zhuhai Airshow, which runs from November 12 to 17 in Guangdong Province.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China’s premier aircraft manufacturer, has declassified and displayed a scale model of the J-20S, the world’s first twin-seat fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft.
This unprecedented twin-seat variant is considered a leap forward in the fighter jet’s operational capabilities, particularly in terms of situational awareness, electronic warfare, and manned-unmanned teaming.
The J-20S, based on China’s J-20 single-seat stealth fighter, features an added seat designed to accommodate a weapons operator in addition to the pilot.
This structure enhances the jet’s ability to carry out complex missions, making it a versatile tool for air combat and a potential command platform for drone coordination. AVIC’s spokesman, Wu Jiwei, describes the J-20S as a heavy-duty radar-evading fighter that combines stealth with long-range capabilities for precision strikes and advanced tactical command.
Equipped with sophisticated electronic disruption, tactical command, and situational awareness functions, the J-20S is suited for a range of operations that extend beyond traditional air combat. Its dual-seat configuration offers redundancy in flight control, allowing the weapons operator in the rear seat to take control in the event of a malfunction or emergency.
This design also makes it more effective in commanding and coordinating with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a unique capability that positions the J-20S as a leading-edge player in next-generation aerial warfare.
The twin-seat configuration allows the J-20S to serve as a “small-sized early-warning platform,” according to military commentator Song Zhongping.
The two seats permit both a pilot and weapons operator to handle specific tasks independently, enhancing both situational awareness and the effective use of precision-guided munitions.
The rear-seat operator can manage complex operations like radar detection and missile targeting, improving the overall mission efficiency and allowing the pilot to concentrate on navigation and basic flight maneuvers.
The twin-seat setup also holds significant tactical advantages when combined with networked information systems and AI technologies. Zhang Xuefeng, a military expert, notes that with the additional seat, the J-20S could act as a command platform to coordinate with “loyal wingman” drones.
These drones can serve as extended sensors or even weapons platforms, gathering and relaying real-time data to create a comprehensive battlefield picture.
This capability transforms the fighter into more than just a combat aircraft; it becomes a multi-functional command and control hub in the sky.
China’s loyal wingman drones, such as the FH-97A showcased at Airshow China 2022, are designed to support manned aircraft in various roles, including as sensor platforms, ammunition depots, and intelligent assistants.
Loyal wingman drones, equipped with AI systems, provide extended situational awareness by collecting local combat data and integrating it to enhance the pilot’s battlefield perception.
These drones allow the pilot not only to engage in direct combat but also to act as a commander, managing the formation of drones in an integrated combat network.
The twin-seat J-20S’s ability to collaborate with these drones represents a significant advancement in aerial warfare strategy. By using drones to carry out specific tasks like targeting and missile strikes, the pilot and weapons operator can focus on higher-level mission management and threat response, potentially transforming how air combat operations are executed.
The J-20S was developed by the AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute and represents China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its air combat capabilities.
The original J-20, which first flew in 2011 and was declassified in 2016, became the world’s third stealth fighter after the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The introduction of the twin-seat J-20S builds upon this foundation, placing China at the forefront of fifth-generation fighter technology.
This latest version not only strengthens China’s tactical edge but also demonstrates a strategic shift toward integrated, manned-unmanned operations.
The J-20S’s declassification and public display suggest China’s confidence in its aviation technology, and its role in coordinating with drones could set a new standard in multi-role fighter design.
