In a high-stakes showdown of aerial prowess, the J-20 Mighty Dragon and the F-22 Raptor are positioned as titans of modern military aviation. As China pushes the boundaries of stealth technology with its J-20, which has been operational since 2017, the United States continues to rely on the decades-old but battle-tested F-22, a fighter jet that has proven its mettle in various combat scenarios.

The J-20 boasts an impressive wingspan of 43 feet and a length of 70 feet, with a reported fleet of 150 to 208 aircraft. Powered by turbofan engines generating 66,000 pounds of thrust, it can reach a top speed of Mach 2 and has a combat radius of approximately 1,250 miles. In contrast, the F-22, with a wingspan of 45 feet and a length of 62 feet, is slightly faster at Mach 2.25 and has a combat radius of 680 miles, showcasing its superior speed and climb rate.

However, maneuverability is where the J-20 may have an edge, thanks to its advanced WS-10 engines featuring 3D thrust vectoring nozzles. This could enhance its performance in dogfights, an area where the F-22 has historically excelled due to its superior acceleration and climb rate. Nevertheless, the F-22’s stealth capabilities remain unmatched, with a reduced radar cross-section estimated at 0.001 square feet, allowing it to evade detection more effectively than the J-20.

Both aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge avionics and sensors, but the F-22’s APG-77 radar significantly outperforms the J-20’s systems in target detection and tracking, giving it a critical advantage in network-enabled warfare. In terms of armament, the J-20 can carry long-range missiles like the PL-15, which can engage targets at 186 miles, while the F-22 has a diverse arsenal, including the AIM-120 and a 20mm Gatling gun, enhancing its combat versatility.

In conclusion, while the J-20 presents a formidable challenge with its extended range and maneuverability, the F-22 Raptor retains a strategic edge in speed, stealth, and combat experience. The outcome of any potential engagement between these two aircraft would ultimately hinge on the specifics of the battlefield scenario, making this rivalry a focal point of modern aerial warfare.