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Chengdu J-10 Fighter Jet

Chengdu J-10 Fighter Jet

Brand: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG)
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4th–4.5th
Maximum Speed Mach 2.2
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range 100–170 km (AESA-equipped variants)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Chengdu J-10 “Vigorous Dragon”
Manufacturer	Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG)
Country of Origin	China
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter
Generation	4th / 4.5th
Status	Active Service
First Flight	March 23, 1998
Introduction / In Service Since	2005
Number Built	500+
Operators	China, Pakistan

Dimensions & Structure

Length	15.5 m (50.8 ft)
Wingspan	9.75 m (32 ft)
Height	5.43 m (17.8 ft)
Wing Area	33 m²
Empty Weight	9,750 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	19,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	11

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.2
Range	1,850 km
Combat Radius	900 km
Service Ceiling	18,000 m (59,000 ft)
Rate of Climb	275 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.1
G Limits	+9

Powerplant

Engine Type	WS-10B / AL-31FN Turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	13,200–13,700 kgf
Thrust Vectoring	Optional (on select variants)
Fuel Capacity	~4,950 kg

Armament

Gun	23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-8, PL-10, PL-12
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	KD-88, LS-6
Bombs	Laser / Satellite-guided
Hardpoints	11
Payload Capacity	6,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	KLJ-10 / AESA (J-10C)
Radar Range	100–170 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated Self-Protection Suite
Targeting System	Electro-optical / Laser pod
Helmet Display	Yes
Navigation	INS/GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Fly-by-wire system
Communication	Secure Data Link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~1.5–3 m²
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent coatings, reduced profile
Infrared Signature Reduction	Moderate
Sensor Fusion	Partial (J-10C)
Networking Capabilities	Integrated tactical data link

Variants

Special Export Versions

J-10CE - Export variant for Pakistan

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Training, Air Patrol, No confirmed combat
Notable Operators	China, Pakistan
Combat Proven?	Limited (border patrol missions)
Mission Types	Air defense, interdiction, precision strike

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$35–40 million
Development Cost	Estimated $2.5 billion
Program Name	J-10 Fighter Program
Funding Countries	China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Enhanced EW, new engine variants
Future Replacement	J-20, next-gen stealth jets
Export Restrictions	Chinese state-controlled
Notable Achievements	First indigenous Chinese multirole fighter
Competitors	F-16, Mirage 2000, MiG-29

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Agile design with canards for superior maneuverability
Multirole capability (air-to-air and air-to-ground)
AESA radar in modern variants
Lower production and maintenance costs than Western peers
Proven export performance (e.g., Pakistan)

CONS

Lacks full stealth features
Engine reliability concerns in early variants
Limited combat experience
Inferior range compared to twin-engine fighters
Dependence on Russian components in some models

Chengdu J-10 Fighter Jet: China’s Agile Multirole Fighter Jet

The Chengdu J-10, also known as the Vigorous Dragon, represents one of China’s most significant achievements in indigenous fighter design. Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the J-10 serves as a multirole, single-engine, fourth-generation combat aircraft optimized for both air superiority and strike missions.

First flown in 1998 and introduced into service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the early 2000s, the J-10 filled the gap between China’s older J-7 fighters and the modern J-20 stealth platform. Designed with delta wings, canards, and a fly-by-wire control system, the jet offers high agility and excellent performance in close combat scenarios.

Powered by a Russian AL-31FN or Chinese WS-10B turbofan engine, the J-10 achieves speeds of Mach 2.2 and a combat radius exceeding 550 miles (900 km). It carries a versatile weapons suite, including PL-12 beyond-visual-range missiles, PL-8 short-range air-to-air missiles, and precision-guided bombs for ground strike missions.

The upgraded J-10C variant integrates AESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and data-link networking, enhancing situational awareness and multirole flexibility. Export versions, such as the J-10CE, have been delivered to Pakistan, expanding its operational reach beyond China.

Overall, the J-10 exemplifies China’s transition toward self-reliant aerospace innovation, combining speed, agility, and modern avionics to compete with Western fourth-generation fighters.

Variants

Field	Example
J-10A	Initial production version
J-10B	Improved radar, IRST
J-10C	AESA radar, WS-10B engine
J-10CE	Export variant for Pakistan

Reviews

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