China Confirms Twin-cockpit J-20S Stealth Fighter; Model on Display at Zhuhai Airshow

The Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) has confirmed the existence of the twin-seat variant of its J-20 stealth fighter jet, the J-20S whose scale model is displayed at the Airshow China 2024 scheduled to commence tomorrow in Zhuhai.

This is the first time that AVIC has officially confirmed the existence of the J-20S, the world's first and only model of a two-seater stealth combat aircraft.

The J-20S is a heavy-duty radar-evading fighter jet with long-range operation and multi-function capabilities, the Chinese MoD’s official publication, Chinamil.com reported quoting Wu Jiwei, the  spokesperson of AVIC.

The new jet is meant to seize superiority in air combat, carry out precision strikes against land and sea targets, and perform situational awareness, electronic jamming and tactical command and control operations. In addition, the J-20S can team up with unmanned aircraft in air combat.

The J-20S was designed by the AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute in Sichuan province based on the J-20 which made its first flight in 2011 as China's first stealth combat aircraft.

Fu Qianshao, a former PLA Air Force official told Chinamil.com, "the twin-seat variant can have a backup flight-control system installed for the operator in the rear seat to use in case the main system malfunctions or is damaged in action, or the pilot is incapacitated," he said.

Having a separate weapons operator can also enable the J-20S to better use precision-guided munitions and connect with the airborne early warning and control system, he added.