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Chengdu J-10C Fighter Jet

Chengdu J-10C Fighter Jet

Brand: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG)
Category: Fighter Jets
  • Generation 4.5
  • Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
  • No. of Engines 1
  • Radar Range ~170 km (AESA)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name Chengdu J-10C (Vigorous Dragon)
Manufacturer Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG)
Country of Origin China
Type / Role Multirole Fighter
Generation 4.5
Status In service
First Flight 2013
Introduction / In Service Since 2018
Number Built 200+
Operators China, Pakistan

Dimensions & Structure

Length 16.9 m
Wingspan 9.8 m
Height 5.4 m
Wing Area 33 m²
Empty Weight 9,750 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) 19,200 kg
Internal Weapons Bay None
External Hardpoints 11

Performance

Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
Range 1,850 km
Combat Radius ~1,000 km
Service Ceiling 56,000 ft
Rate of Climb 60,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio 1.1
G Limits +9

Powerplant

Engine Type WS-10B Taihang Turbofan
No. of Engines 1
Thrust (each) 13,200 kgf (with afterburner)
Thrust Vectoring Optional variant
Fuel Capacity ~4,500 kg internal

Armament

Gun 23mm GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air) PL-10, PL-12, PL-15
Missiles (Air-to-Ground) KD-88, YJ-91, LT-series
Bombs LS-6, LT-2 guided bombs
Hardpoints 11
Payload Capacity 6,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar KLJ-7A AESA
Radar Range ~170 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System ECM suite with radar warning receiver
Targeting System Electro-optical/laser pod
Helmet Display Yes
Navigation INS/GPS hybrid
Autopilot / AI Assistance Fly-by-wire with limited AI assist
Communication Data link with PLAAF C4ISR network

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS) ~1.0 m² (reduced)
Stealth Features RAM coatings, intake shaping
Infrared Signature Reduction Partial exhaust masking
Sensor Fusion Integrated data fusion
Networking Capabilities Compatible with KJ-500 AEW&C systems

Variants

Special Export Versions J-10CE (Pakistan)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments None (peacetime operations)
Notable Operators PLAAF, Pakistan Air Force
Combat Proven? Not yet
Mission Types Air superiority, strike, interception

Cost & Program

Unit Cost ~$35–40 million
Development Cost Classified
Program Name J-10 Development Program
Funding Countries China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned WS-15E engine, enhanced EW suite
Future Replacement Sixth-generation Chinese fighter
Export Restrictions Moderate (friendly nations only)
Notable Achievements First PLAAF jet with AESA radar
Competitors F-16V, Rafale, Gripen E

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

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

PROS

  1. Advanced AESA radar with long detection range
  2. Superior agility and high thrust-to-weight ratio
  3. Multirole capability for air and ground missions
  4. AESA radar and modern EW suite improve survivability
  5. Cost-effective compared to Western counterparts

CONS

  1. Limited stealth compared to fifth-generation fighters
  2. Engine reliability concerns (WS-10B)
  3. Smaller payload capacity than twin-engine jets
  4. Dependent on Chinese weapons ecosystem
  5. Limited combat experience

Chengdu J-10C: China’s Advanced 4.5-Generation Multirole Fighter

The Chengdu J-10C, also known as the “Vigorous Dragon,” is China’s latest variant in the J-10 fighter series, designed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). First entering service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2018, the J-10C represents a leap toward 4.5-generation capabilities—integrating advanced avionics, AESA radar, data fusion, and reduced radar signature features.

Equipped with a WS-10B Taihang turbofan engine, the J-10C can achieve speeds up to Mach 2.0, offering both air superiority and precision strike capabilities. Its combat radius of over 1,000 km enables flexible operations, while its aerodynamic delta-canard configuration delivers superior agility and high maneuverability during dogfights.

The J-10C’s KLJ-7A AESA radar enhances detection range and multi-target tracking, allowing the aircraft to engage simultaneously with long-range PL-15 and PL-12 air-to-air missiles, as well as ground-strike munitions like the LT-2 laser-guided bomb. The fighter also supports Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) systems and modern electronic countermeasures for survivability in contested airspace.

The J-10C serves as a cost-effective complement to heavier platforms like the J-16 and J-20, and has seen export success with Pakistan under the designation JF-17C (Block III). As Beijing’s indigenous answer to Western 4.5-generation fighters such as the F-16V and Rafale, the J-10C embodies China’s progress toward a modern, network-centric air force.

Variants

FieldExample
J-10AInitial production variant
J-10BUpgraded avionics and radar
J-10CAESA radar, PL-15 integration
Special Export VersionsJ-10CE (Pakistan)

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