Intro
Discover the might of Chinas J-10 fighter jet. Learn about its advanced avionics, multi-role capabilities, and afterburning turbofans. Uncover the history of its development and production, as well as its variants and operators. Get the inside scoop on this powerful aircrafts performance, radar systems, and air-to-air missiles. Explore the J-10s impact on global military aviation.
The J-10 fighter jet, also known as the "Vigorous Dragon," is a Chinese multirole fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. The J-10 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and has been in service since 2005.
Here are five key facts about the J-10 fighter jet:
Design and Development
The J-10 was designed in the 1980s by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, with the first prototype making its maiden flight in 1998. The aircraft was developed to replace the aging J-7 and J-8 fighters in the PLAAF. The J-10's design was influenced by the Israeli Lavi fighter jet, and it shares some similarities with the Russian Sukhoi Su-27.
Key Features
- The J-10 has a length of 15.5 meters (50.8 feet) and a wingspan of 11.3 meters (37 feet)
- It has a maximum takeoff weight of 19,277 kilograms (42,500 pounds)
- The J-10 is powered by a single Russian-made Saturn AL-31FN turbofan engine, which produces 12,800 kilograms (28,200 pounds) of thrust
- The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 (2,647 kilometers per hour or 1,645 miles per hour) and a range of 2,860 kilometers (1,780 miles)
Operational History
The J-10 entered service with the PLAAF in 2005 and has since become one of the most advanced fighter jets in the Chinese air force. The aircraft has been used in various military exercises and has also been exported to Pakistan, where it is known as the FC-20.
Combat Capabilities
- The J-10 is a multirole fighter jet capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
- It is equipped with a range of air-to-air missiles, including the PL-12 and PL-15
- The aircraft also has a 23mm cannon and can carry a range of air-to-ground munitions, including bombs and rockets
Variants
There are several variants of the J-10 fighter jet, including:
- J-10: The original variant, which entered service in 2005
- J-10A: An upgraded variant with improved avionics and a new engine
- J-10B: A variant with a thrust-vectoring engine and improved combat capabilities
- J-10C: A variant with a new radar system and improved avionics
Export and Future Developments
The J-10 has been exported to Pakistan, where it is known as the FC-20. There have also been reports of interest in the aircraft from other countries, including Algeria and Venezuela. The J-10 is expected to remain in service with the PLAAF for many years to come, with ongoing upgrades and improvements to its combat capabilities.
J-10 Fighter Jet Image Gallery
We hope you have enjoyed learning more about the J-10 fighter jet. With its advanced combat capabilities and multirole design, the J-10 is an important part of the Chinese air force and will likely remain in service for many years to come.