The detection capabilities of China’s J-20 stealth fighter, the “Mighty Dragon,” have been significantly enhanced as a result of a breakthrough in silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology, which was spearheaded by Professor Xu Xianggang at Shandong University. The detection range of the J-20’s phased array radar systems has been tripled as a result of the development of advanced SiC processors by Xu and his team over the course of two decades. The J-20 can now detect adversary stealth aircraft, such as the American F-35 and F-22, at a distance that is three times greater than its previous capability. This breakthrough provides Chinese pilots with a substantial first-mover advantage in air combat.
Current J-20 Detection Capabilities
According to reports, the J-20’s detection range has been extended to 600 to 700 kilometers as a result of the integration of the new SiC-based radar processors. The J-20’s radar is now on par with—or potentially better than—the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) systems found on the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II as a result of this performance improvement. The J-20’s improved radar enables it to detect and track hostile aircraft far in advance of their detection, as well as to engage them at standoff distances with long-range missiles like the PL-15, which are capable of traveling over 300 kilometers. The SiC enhancement also enhances the precision of missile guidance, the power output of laser weapons, and the resilience of radars in response to electronic warfare conditions.
Comparison of the Detection Capabilities of the J-20, F-22, F-35, and Su-57
The J-20 radar’s now purported new range exceeds the typical detection ranges of the F-22 and F-35 against stealthy targets, following the SiC upgrade. The AN/APG-77 and AN/APG-81 of the F-22 and F-35 are both extremely advanced AESA radars. However, their effective detection ranges against low-observable aircraft are typically estimated to be between 50 and 100 kilometers. The N036 Byelka AESA radar and supplementary L-band arrays of the Russian Su-57 are purported to be capable of detecting stealth targets at a range of 90 to 120 kilometers. However, these figures are subject to debate and are contingent upon the target’s aspect and electronic countermeasures.
Strategic and Technological Consequences
This development has implications that exceed the current J-20. Traditional silicon is being replaced by SiC technology for high-performance radar and power electronics due to its superior physical properties, including high bandgap and thermal conductivity, which are being commercialized for broader industrial and military applications. At a time when Chinese-made fighter jets were demonstrating their efficacy in regional air force confrontations, this radar leap was publicized, further emphasizing the strategic significance of these technological advancements.
Is the range for detection really 600 to 700 kilometers?
It is highly improbable that airborne radar can detect stealth targets within a 600 to 700 kilometer range, given current scientific and engineering standards. Although these figures have been reported by Chinese and Russian media outlets in relation to the J-20’s enhanced radar, they should be viewed with skepticism. Such a long-range detection from a fighter jet is virtually impossible due to the realities of radar physics, atmospheric attenuation, and the exceptionally low radar cross-section (RCS) of stealth aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35.
In practical terms, even the most advanced airborne AESA radars, including those that use cutting-edge SiC semiconductors, typically accomplish detection ranges of 300 to 400 kilometers against large, non-stealthy targets under ideal conditions. The detection range of stealth aircraft is significantly reduced; the majority of open-source estimates for top-tier radars, including those on the F-22, F-35, and Su-57, lie within the 50 to 150 kilometer range. These figures illustrate the challenge of identifying aircraft that are specifically engineered to evade radar, particularly from the front.
Some of the exaggerated figures that have been reported in Chinese media may be indicative of the maximal theoretical detection range for large, non-stealthy targets such as AWACS or refueling aircraft, rather than stealth fighters. Furthermore, It is feasible that these figures confound the initial detection phase (which involves merely registering a contact) with the more rigorous requirements of monitoring and targeting, which occur at significantly shorter distances.
Furthermore, stealth aircraft can occasionally be detected at greater distances by ground-based radars, particularly those that operate at lower frequencies. But these systems can’t match the airborne radars on fighter jets like the J-20.
To provide context, a realistic evaluation of the J-20’s enhanced radar capabilities would indicate a substantial improvement, potentially enabling the detection of stealth fighters at distances of 100 to 200 kilometers. This would remain a significant technological accomplishment, as it would demonstrate the advantages of SiC semiconductors in terms of electronic warfare resilience, sensitivity, and radar capability. Nevertheless, claims of detection ranges of 600 to 700 kilometers against stealth targets are highly likely to be exaggerated and should be interpreted as either propaganda, misinterpretation, or references to non-stealthy aircraft.
In conclusion, the physical constraints of radar make it impossible to detect stealth aircraft at 600 to 700 kilometers, although the J-20’s radar has presumably undergone significant enhancements as a result of domestic SiC technology. The genuine value of these improvements lies in incremental but significant improvements in technological independence, tracking reliability, and detection range, rather than in the dramatic figures occasionally cited in the media.
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