China's fifth-generation stealth fighter of the fifth generation is currently the J-20 'Mighty Dragon. It has recently begun mass production. China Central Television released a video showing the J-20 performing maneuvers at low speeds. This includes a vertical climb as well as a turn. It may also be capable of thrust-vectoring controls which will improve the aircraft’s maneuverability. These controls allow the pilot to change the direction of the exhaust tubes, redirecting thrust. This can give the pilot an edge in maneuvering or evading from missiles.
China has been developing thrust vectoring engines for over two decades. These engines were demonstrated for the first time at Zhuhai's 2018 air show. Chinese engineers have been working hard over the past years to create a high torque engine, which is a critical component for the aircraft. The J-20 is currently fitted with a homegrown WS-10C engine. The engine's design has not been optimized for thrust vectoring controls. However, the PLA Air Force has been testing domestic vector-thrust turbofans on the J-10B two-seat fighter. In January 2021, the Chinese air force will confirm that J-20s will be equipped with engines developed in China.
While Western designers have mostly abandoned the use of thrust vector controls, Chinese designers have been very interested in this technology. They believe that thrust vector control can enhance post-stall maneuverability of fighters and air-to–ground strike capabilities. Additionally, thrust vector control can increase radar stealth capabilities. These advantages can be important to the Chinese air force as it seeks to compete with the United States.
Chinese designers have been working on a high-thrust engine that has a rectangular shape. These engines are more maneuverable than other thrust vectoring engines. They are expected to give the J-20 an edge in the modern air combat environment. They are also considered to be more powerful then other engines. According to a source familiar with China’s engine development program, all WS-10C engines that are fitted to J-20s will receive thrust vectoring capabilities.
PLA already deployed J-20s in support of air force units in charge over the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea. These units are performing exercises to bridge the US-China air combat capability gap. The aircraft's weapons bay will accommodate four to six long-range bombs. The aircraft can also carry heavy warheads. It is primarily designed to be an air superiority fighter. However, it can also perform air-to ground missions.
The J-20 was designed originally as an interceptor. With the introduction thrust vectoring controls, it will be an agile dogfighter. It will be able perform quick maneuvers which will give it an advantage in air to air combat.
The F-22 Raptor aircraft is the only one in the world to have thrust vector controls. US air combat doctrine stresses stealthy, high energy, long-range missile attacks. The US F-22's thrust control systems allow the pilot to adjust the direction of exhaust nozzles to redirect thrust. The F-22's pilot also has the ability to perform a freefall floating fallen leaf maneuver. This enhances low speed maneuverability.