History
The Chengdu J-10 is a Chinese multirole fighter aircraft designed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. Development began in the 1980s with assistance from Israel (based on the Lavi project) and Russia. The J-10 entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force in 2005. It represents China's first indigenous modern fighter design and serves as the backbone of the PLAAF alongside the Russian-derived J-11.
J-10B during Zhuhai Airshow demonstration
Specifications
| Length: | 50.2 ft (15.3 m) |
| Wingspan: | 31.2 ft (9.5 m) |
| Max Speed: | Mach 2.2 (1,450 mph, 2,335 km/h) |
| Range: | 1,550 mi (2,500 km) with drop tanks |
| Armament: |
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Variants
The J-10 has evolved through several variants:
- J-10A: Initial production version with Russian AL-31FN engine
- J-10B: Improved version with diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) and IRST
- J-10C: Latest variant with AESA radar and WS-10B indigenous engine
- J-10S: Two-seat trainer version