SOURCE: AFI
In an exclusive analysis, an experienced U.S. fighter pilot with over 2,000 hours in the F-16 and F-4, known here as “Bod,” shares his insights on China’s latest military aircraft, the JH-XX, which has recently been showcased in various online platforms. The discussion focuses on the capabilities, design, and potential strategic roles of this new stealth fighter bomber.
Bod’s initial reaction to the JH-XX was one of surprise at its size, noting, “The first thing that comes to mind is it’s big. I mean, that is a big fighter.” The aircraft’s large delta wing configuration immediately raises questions about its maneuverability, particularly in dogfighting scenarios due to the high wing loading which can bleed off energy quickly during maneuvers.
The JH-XX’s design features a delta wing with flaperons, suggesting a dual role in both lift and control. However, its absence of traditional control surfaces like a rudder indicates a focus on stealth, aiming to reduce its radar signature. Bod points out, “It’s just really in the back; it almost looks like lights but that’s just the sun reflecting off control surfaces,” highlighting the aircraft’s stealth-oriented design.
Bod expresses skepticism regarding the JH-XX’s agility, particularly in close combat situations. “That plane cannot turn like our fighters,” he states, suggesting that while it might have the capacity for one good turn, its energy management post-maneuver would be challenging without significant thrust. “You’re going to need some serious horses to get out of that type of a low energy state,” he adds, implying that while the engines are likely powerful, they might not suffice for sustained dogfights.
Given its size and potential weapon capacity, Bod speculates that the JH-XX might be designed more as a “missile truck” rather than a dogfighter, capable of carrying long-range missiles to engage from distances where stealth can be fully leveraged. “I bet you something that size can carry a lot of long-range missiles,” he notes, suggesting its role might be more about long-range engagement or support in strategic operations rather than direct aerial combat.
When asked ” Would you dog fight it in an F-16″ He replied ” In a heartbeat I mean go right for the throat
on that guy but with a plane like that you’re going to have to get in close you got to get in the foam Booth with him then you can kick his ass right but from 30-40 miles away I’m sure he’s got some long-range missiles he could put on you absolutely yeah ”
When comparing to U.S. counterparts, Bod believes that while the JH-XX might try to match the stealth capabilities of American jets like the F-22, its actual combat performance might be closer to fighters from a generation back due to limitations in maneuverability and possibly in stealth technology. “The technology we had 15 to 20 years ago, that’s what I would think,” he conjectures, hinting at potential technology transfer or espionage concerns.