China's J-20 stealth jet designers plan to put powerful radar into aircraft wing

• Chinese designers propose integrating large radar antenna arrays into aircraft wings.
• The J-20 stealth fighter's radar detection range has reportedly tripled due to new SiC semiconductor components.
• The advancement is attributed to breakthroughs in high-purity silicon carbide crystal development by a team at Shandong University.
• The new SiC chip improves phased array radar performance, missile guidance accuracy, and laser weapon output.

Chinese military aircraft designers are exploring innovative methods to embed large radar antenna arrays directly into the wings of the J-20 stealth fighter jet. This development follows recent upgrades that have reportedly tripled the aircraft's radar detection range, a significant leap attributed to advancements in silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology. A team at Shandong University, led by Professor Xu Xiangang, is credited with developing high-purity SiC crystals that enhance the efficiency of the J-20's phased array radar system. This breakthrough not only increases detection range but also improves missile guidance accuracy and laser weapon power, bolstering China's military capabilities.