Core Insights - The J-20 fighter jet has significantly enhanced its combat capabilities after being equipped with the "Chinese heart" engine, the WS-15, which is now recognized as a global leader in aviation engines due to advancements in materials science [1][4]. Group 1: Engine and Material Advancements - The new "super metal," a niobium-based alloy developed in a microgravity environment aboard the Tiangong space station, has shown remarkable properties, maintaining strength at temperatures exceeding 1700°C and enhancing fatigue resistance [3][4]. - The WS-15 engine boasts a thrust of 18.5 tons, surpassing the F119 engine's 17.7 tons, with a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 10.5, allowing the J-20B to reach speeds of 2.8 Mach in just three minutes [7]. - The use of niobium alloy in the engine blades, combined with a nanometer-level protective coating, significantly extends the engine's lifespan to over 2000 hours, which is 2.5 times longer than the F119 [7]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - While the U.S. NGAD fighter is still in the design phase, China has successfully conducted test flights of two sixth-generation fighter prototypes, showcasing advanced configurations that leverage the new materials for superior performance [8]. - The advancements in the WS-15 engine and the new materials signify a major shift in China's aerospace capabilities, moving from reliance on imported engines to achieving self-sufficiency and technological leadership in military aviation [8].