China's J‑20 fighter jet flexes firepower in 'beast mode'
A recording has surfaced on social media showcasing China's modern fighter jet, the Chengdu J-20. Notably, the aircraft is operating in what is referred to as "beast mode." According to Interesting Engineering, this means the J-20 carries missiles under its wings.
The online video is the first to show the new stealth J-20 fighter equipped with armament under its wings in "beast mode." This is a weapons configuration where the aircraft does not carry armaments in internal compartments but under the wings. However, this setup comes with limitations on the aircraft's capabilities.
The Chinese J-20 in "beast mode"
The Chengdu J-20 fighter jet is a modern Chinese design that can operate in stealth mode. In this configuration, the aircraft is difficult to detect by enemy radar, allowing the J-20 to penetrate deeper into enemy territory. However, the aircraft must adapt suitably to this characteristic, mainly by hiding weapons in internal compartments.
There are situations, however, where avoiding radar detection isn't crucial. In such cases, the aircraft can operate in "beast mode," where weapons are mounted under the wings, as seen in the video of the J-20 in flight. This comes at the cost of reduced stealth capability, making the aircraft easier to detect, but it can carry more armament.
It is important to note that the J-20, produced by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is China's first fifth-generation fighter. Initially, it used Russian engines but is now equipped with Chinese Shenyang WS-10 engines, which reportedly enhance its speed and range. The J-20 is armed with PL-15 missiles, which range up to 125 miles.
The J-20 can achieve speeds of up to Mach 2 (about 1,550 mph) and has a range of approximately 750 miles on internal fuel tanks. In addition to the aforementioned PL-15 missiles, it can also carry PL-12C/D and PL-21 missiles, as well as laser-guided bombs.
