[R&D] J-20B Block III

Ministry of National Defense,
Chao Yang Gate, East Second Ring Road, Beijing

J-20B Block III

Proceeding apace with the incremental upgrade plan, Eagle program managers have begun rolling out Block III to the Chinese J-20 Super Eagle and base block fleet.

• Advancements from the Type 1085-E have begun to proliferate into the Type 1475, now utilizing improved GaN based 20nm manufactured thick-film multilayer ceramic circuits, co-fired ceramics based on LTCC / HTCC processes, surface-mounted packages on printed circuits boards, collective fiber optic wiring technology for high density integration, and 3D architecture. In addition, previous software enhancements, including variable waveform and pulse random technology, have been further refined with sample matrix inversion algorithms derived from the former CMI program.

• Upgrade to the Twin Type 793 L-band sidelooking radars, introducing i/SAR and improvements to the real time processing of the frequency-domain range-Doppler Algorithm (RDA) and the time-domain backprojection (TDBP) calculations.

• Northwestern Polytechnical University has developed a unique additive method to build on current RCS plasma-spray applied coating using impregnated PU-PAni/DBSA substrates with polyaniline granules dispersed in a polyurethane matrix. This novel method ensures the dispersion of the conducting polymer in the substrate and makes the contact between the two particles possible, creating conditions favorable to ohmic loss of electromagnetic energy.

• EOPDS FPA array has been given EO/IR resolution and processing upgrades, including the addition of a cognitive and fully adaptive radar architecture (CoFAR) capability to rapidly react to incoming threats autonomously while differentiating between discrete clutter elements (CCM). Research on multi path propagation from the C4 program of 2023 has been integrated into the software development to the benefit of both programs, providing increased returns given the higher level of funding for the J-20.

• Engines have been upgraded to Shenyang Aeroengine Research Institute WS-15B afterburning turbofans, delivering a maximum of 44,000 lbf thrust in a 3-stage low-pressure, 6-stage high-pressure FADEC compressor configuration, enabling improved supercruise and a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 with superior G performance.

AVIC engineering officials have estimated a rollout of LRP Block III to 2029, with retrofitting beginning at the end of 2028 due to the availability of all technology vs the long long time requirements for new production.