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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF J-10C

Background of the Ac.
1. The Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon (NATO reporting name: Firebird), is a
medium-weight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft using a delta
wing and canard design. It is produced by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for
the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and People's
Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF). The J-10 is mainly designed for air-to-air
combat but can also perform strike missions.
2. In 1988 Israel's defense minister denied a report by The Sunday Times that
Israel and China had agreed to develop a fighter derived from the IAI Lavi, a project
based on the F-16. In 2006, Russia's SibNIA engineers believed that the J-10 was
"more or less a version" of the Lavi, incorporating "a melting pot of foreign technology
and acquired design methods... but there are a number of other pieces of other aircraft
or technologies that are part of the configuration that they have acquired from different
sources." In 2008, Janes claimed that the J-10 benefited from technical information from
the Israeli project, citing senior Russian engineers who said they had heard this from
Chinese colleagues.
3. The Chinese assert J-10's features claimed to be from the Lavi are from the
manufacturer's own previous aircraft design, for example attributing the J-10's Lavi-like
double canard configuration to Chengdu's work on the cancelled J-9 of the 1960s and
1970s; this view is supported by Song Wencong, who worked on the J-9 and became
the J-10's chief designer, and PLAAF Major General Zhang Weigang.
4. 4.5-generation multirole fighter designed for a wide range of missions, including
air superiority, interdiction, precision strikes, and electronic warfare.
Source- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chengdu_J-10#cite_note-Haaretz_2022-19
Development.

5. In 1981, PLAAF Commander Zhang Tingfa proposed developing a third-

generation fighter, which was approved by the Central Military Commission with a
CN¥500 million budget. The Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute's (CADI) Saab 37
Viggen-inspired design, based on the canceled J-9, was selected in 1984. Song
Wencong became the chief designer.

6. Development faced funding issues until renewed interest after the Gulf War. The
J-10 utilized modern processes, including CAD, and marked significant technological
advancement for China's aviation industry. The first prototype flew in 1998, with
operational status achieved in 2006. Initially powered by AL-31 engines, later versions
incorporated the domestically produced WS-10B engine. The J-10 was unveiled in 2007
and continues as a key PLAAF fighter.

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7. The fol are the different variants of the aircraft over the time:

a. J-10A which is single seat variant. The export designation is F-10A or FC-
20.

b. J-10AH which is naval version of J-10A.

c. J-10AY which is aerobatics variant of J-10A.

d. J-10S which is tandem-seated trainer variant of J-10A.

e. J-10SH which is naval version of J-10S.

f. The J-10B, an upgraded version of the J-10, features a diverterless

supersonic inlet, a longer radome for an AESA radar, an electro-optic targeting
system, and an electronic countermeasures pod. Powered initially by the AL-
31FN M1, its first flight occurred by December 2008. A thrust-vectoring
demonstrator version, equipped with the WS-10B engine, showcased super
maneuverability, including the Cobra maneuver.

g. J-10C: An upgraded version of J-10B, it is equipped with an indigenous

AESA fire-control radar and is equipped with imaging infrared seeker (IIR) PL-10,
WS-10B engine and PL-15 air-to-air missiles. Justin Bronk describes the J-10C
as a 4.5 generation jet fighter.

h. J-10CE: Export version of J-10C.

j. J-10CY: Aerobatics variant of J-10C, replaced J-10AY.

Source- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chengdu_J-10#cite_note-Haaretz_2022-19

Basic Performance.
8. The performance of Chinese J-10 C can be evaluated by the fol:

a. Powerplant.
(1) 1 × Shenyang WS-10B Taihang turbofan engine, providing
improved thrust and reliability compared to earlier variants.
(2) The aircraft can produce a thrust of approximately 30,000 lbf (133
kN) with afterburner.

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b. Basic Data.
(1) Maximum Speed. Mach 2.0, 1,319 mph (2,120 km/h) at altitude;
approximately Mach 1.2 at sea level.
(2) Cruise Speed. Estimated around Mach 1.1.
(3) Combat Range. 600 nm. (690 mi, 1,100 km) with drop tanks
and external weapons load.
(4) Ferry Range. 1,900 nm. (2,190 mi, 3,500 km) with external fuel
tanks.
(5) Service Ceiling. 59,000 ft (18,000 m).
(6) G- limits. +9.
(7) Roll Rate. Approximately 300°/s.
(9) Wing Loading. Estimated 75–85 lb./sq ft (365–415 kg/m²).
(10) Thrust to Weight. 1.04 with full afterburner and combat load.
(11) Control System. Digital fly-by-wire.
(12) Role. Multirole combat aircraft (air superiority, ground
attack, electronic warfare).
(13) Production. Hundreds, serving primarily in the PLAAF and
available for export.
c. Armament.
(1) Guns. 1 × 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon (internal).
(2) Hardpoints. 11 (3 under each wing, 3 under the fuselage,
and 2 wingtip mounts).
(3) Total payload. 13,200 lb. (6,000 kg).
(4) Air-to-Air Missiles. The fol air missiles can be equipped
with the aircraft for air-to-air engagement or for BVR launch:
(a) PL-10 short-range infrared homing missile for close-range
combat.
(b) PL-15 long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile with
advanced capabilities for long-range engagements.
(5) Air-to-Surface Missiles.

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(a) Precision-guided munitions (PGMs), including laser-guided

bombs and satellite-guided bombs, for accurate strikes against
ground targets.
(b) Anti-ship missiles for engaging naval targets.
(c) Cannon Internal 23mm cannon for close-range
engagements.
(6) Bombs.
(a) LS-6 precision-guided bombs.
(b) Cluster bombs and unguided munitions.
(c) Laser-guided bombs (LGBs) such as LT-series.
(7) Other.
(a) Anti-ship missiles like the YJ-91.
(b) Cluster bombs and unguided munitions,
(c) Laser-guided bombs (LGBs) such as LT-series.
(d) Anti-ship missiles like the YJ-91.
d. Avionics.
(1) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior
target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities, enabling
simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets.
(2) Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system for passive detection of
enemy aircraft, enhancing situational awareness and providing an
additional layer of target acquisition.
(3) Advanced electronic warfare (EW) suites, including electronic
countermeasures (ECM) for self-defense against enemy radar and
electronic support measures (ESM) for detecting and locating enemy
radars.
(4) Integrated with a glass cockpit and advanced head-up display for
improved pilot situational awareness and ease of operation.
e. Countermeasures.
(1) Advanced electronic countermeasure pods.
(2) Flare and chaff dispensers.

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f. Cockpit.
(1) Fully digital glass cockpit with multi-function displays.
(2) Helmet-mounted sight for cueing weapons.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chengdu_J-10#cite_note-Haaretz_2022-19
http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/fighter/j10.asp

Operational Employment History.

9. The Chengdu J-10C is a modern, single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft
developed by China. It has been operationally employed by both the People's Liberation
Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
(a) China. The J-10C entered combat service with the PLAAF in April
2018. The J-10C has demonstrated superior performance in simulated combat
exercises. Reports indicate that it consistently outperformed Russian-made Su-
35 fighters, primarily due to its reduced radar visibility, advanced sensors, and
weaponry. These advantages enabled the J-10C to detect and engage targets
before being detected itself. Notably, the J-10C achieved victories against both
the Su-35 and the J-16 in exercises conducted from 2019 to 2021.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chengdu_J-10
(b) Pakistan. Pakistan expressed interest in the J-10C as early as
September 2020. By December 2021, Pakistan announced the purchase of 25 J-
10CEs (the export variant of the J-10C), with an option for 11 more. The first
batch of six J-10CEs arrived at PAF Base Minhas (Kamra) on 4 March 2022, and
they were officially inducted into the PAF's No. 15 Squadron "Cobras" on 11
March 2022. On 18 January 2024, the PAF deployed J-10CEs in a series of air
and artillery strikes inside Iran, targeting Baloch separatist groups. The operation
involved JF-17C aircraft and Wing Loong II drones, escorted by J-10CEs,
launching attacks against BLA and BLF militant groups, resulting in nine
casualties. The J-10C continues to serve as a key component of both the PLAAF
and PAF, contributing to their multirole combat capabilities.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chengdu_J-10
https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-which-weapons-were-used-
how-exactly-did-pakistan-carry-out-airstrikes-in-iran-681328
Total Production

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10. As of January 2025, the Chengdu J-10C, a modern multirole fighter aircraft
developed by China, has been produced in significant numbers. According to recent
data, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates approximately 220 J-
10C aircraft. Production rates have varied over the years. In 2021, China produced
about 24 J-10C units, contributing to a total fighter production of 84 units that year.
Source:https://aviationweek.com/defense/china-bets-variety-large-fighter-aircraft?
utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_People
%27s_Liberation_Army_aircraft
11. Additionally, the export variant, known as the J-10CE, has been acquired by
international customers. Notably, the Pakistan Air Force inducted 25 J-10CE fighters in
2022. While exact production figures are not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest that
the total number of J-10C and its variants produced to date is around 250 units.
Source:https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/pakistans-j-10ce-
fighter-brings-new-radar-and-long-range-missiles
Users.
12. The mentioned below countries are the operator and some have shown interest
to acquire this aircraft.
a. Primary Operator: People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
b. Export User: Pakistan Air Force (25 units acquired in 2022).
c. Potential Customers: Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran,
have expressed interest in acquiring the J-10C.
13. Accidents/Incidents history.

Date Typ Ser Operator Fataliti Location Damag Brief Description

e No es e

17 J- 506 PLAAF- 0 China Destroy Crashed at an

July 10 51 44th ed unknown location
2005 A Division after engine failure
, 131st during a training
Regime flight. Pilot ejected
nt safely.

23 J- 105 PLAAF- 0 Guanyan Destroy Crashed onto rice

April 10 31 2nd Air g County, ed field; both pilots
2007 S Division Guilin, ejected and

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, 5th Guangxi survived.

Regime Zhuang Purportedly, the
nt Autonom cause was engine
ous failure
Region
26 J- - PLAAF- 0 Wuqing Destroy Crashed because of
July 10 44th District, ed engine problem.
2009 A Division Tianjin Pilot ejected and
, 131st survived.
Regime
nt
22 J- - PLAAF- 1 Dao Destroy Crashed onto
April 10 9th Air County, ed mountain during
2010 A Division Yongzhou training flight,
, 26th , Hunan killing the pilot
Regime Province Fengliang XIE
nt
13 J- - PLAAF- 1 Jing Destroy Crashed during
Janu 10 3rd Air County, ed training. Several
ary A Division Xuanchen articles on Chinese
2011 , 8th g, Anhui Internet said that
Regime Province the aircraft had a
n breakdown, and the
pilot stayed in the
plane instead of
ejecting so as to
steer the falling
fighter away from
populated areas
15 J- - Chengd 0 Pidu Destroy There are reports
Nov 10 u District, ed about a plane crash
emb B Aircraft Chengdu, in Qinggangshu
er Industr Sichuan village, Pixian
2014 y Group Province County, Sichuan on
Saturday 15
November 2014 in
the afternoon.
A fire has erupted.
Previous reports

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about a helicopter
crash were later
denied. The plane is
a Chinese military
fighter jet. Pilot
ejected safely.
Seven persons on
the ground were
injured.
15 J- - PLAAF- 0 - Substa Bird strike occurred
Marc 10 2nd Air ntial just before
h S Division touchdown at an
2015 , 5th unspecified
Regime location. The crew
nt managed to land
outside runway. At
least one pilot was
injured.
19 J- - PLAAF- 0 Inner Destroy The plane crashed
Sept 10 1st Air Mongolia ed owing to engine
emb A Division Autonom problem. The pilot
er , 2nd ous ejected safely.
2015 Regime Region Location was
nt reported as
"Saibei"; it refers to
a broad area in
northern China, the
bulk of which is
Inner Mongolia
Autonomous Region
19 J- - PLAAF- 1 Destroy A PLAAF J-10A
Nov 10 3rd Air Anji ed crashed on Nov. 19
emb A Division County, in Anji County of
er , 8th Huzhou, Zhejiang Province,
2015 Regime Zhejiang China. The pilot, Lu
nt Province Yaogui, ejected but
later died from
injuries.This is the
second J-10A crash
this year.

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17 J- 831 China 0 Destroy Engine quitted after

Dece 10 47 Naval Zeguo ed bird strike. Crew
mbe SH Air Town, ejected and
r Force - Wenling survived.
2015 4th County-
Division Level
, 12th City,
Regime Taizhou,
nt Zhejiang
Province
11 J- China 0 Jiaojiang Destroy The fighter plane,
May 10 Naval Air District, ed during night-time
2016 A Force - Taizhou, training, crashed
4th Zhejiang into an empty
Division, Province building. The pilot
12th ejected safely
Regiment
28 J- - PLAAF- 0 Wuqing Destroy Bird strike during
Sept 10 24th Air District, ed training. Pilot
emb A Division Tianjin ejected and
er , 72nd survived
2016 Regime
nt
12 J- - PLAAF- 1 Yutian Destroy The J-10 fighter,
Nov 10 24th Air County, ed which belonged to
emb S Division Tangshan the Ba Yi Aerobatics
er , Hebei Team, developed
2016 Province technical problems
during training, and
the crew ejected.
One pilot perished
as she was hit by
another plane in the
formation, while the
other pilot survived
with injuries
18 J- 741 PLAAF Suixi Destroy The military jet
Octo 10 1 County, ed crashed into
2
ber S Zhanjiang farmland. Both
2018 , pilots died. No detail

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Guangdo was available as

ng Chinese authorities
Province kept this accident
secret
9 J- - PLAAF 1 - Destroy Chinese fighter pilot
Nov 10 ed Yong LIAO was
emb C killed in a flight
er accident. He was
2018 qualified to fly J-
10C, J-16, and J-20.
Although Chinese
authorities kept the
details about Liao's
death strictly
confidential, J-20
fighters participated
in the Zhuhai
airshow in the
immediately
following days,
whereas J-10 did
not. This fact might
imply that the
accident which
killed Liao involved
a J-10, which was
then grounded.
31 J- - PLAAF 0 Jizhou Destroy A Chinese military
May 10 District, ed jet, said to be a
2019 A Tianjin Chengdu J-10A,
crashed in Tianjin at
noon. The aircraft
left a large crater on
the ground. The
pilot had ejected
and was believed to
survive the accident
12 J- - PLAAF- 1 Shigatse, Destroy Chinese airman
June 10 61st Air Tibet ed Baiyong GU died on
2019 B Brigade Autonom a military aviation
ous mission under

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Region unknown
circumstances;
aircraft type is
presumed based on
the brigade's
equipment
inventory.
14 J- - PLAAF 0 Tibet Destroy -
Octo 10 Autonom ed
ber ous
2019 Region
5 J- - PLAAF 0 Wuqing Destroy -
Marc 10 District, ed
h C Tianjin
2020
4 J- - PLAAF- 0 Qixing Destroy The accident scene is
Sept 10 Souther District, ed about 6 km NW of
emb C n Guilin, Guilin Qifengling (Li
er Theater Guangxi Chia Tsun) Air Base.
2020 Comma Zhuang The Air Base is the
nd Autonom home of the 5th AF
ous Division which is
Region equipped by Chengdu
J-10 fighter jets. Likely
a J-10 was involved
instead of the Su-35 as
claimed in social
media.
A month later, Chinese
authorities confirmed
the accident through
publicizing a story
about how the pilot
handled the
emergency in a
commendable manner.
It was reported that the
accident aircraft was a
J-10C, whose engine
quit shortly after
takeoff due to bird

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strike
22 J- - PLAAF 0 Zhengzho Substa A Chengdu J-10
Octo 10 u, Henan ntial military jet fell onto
ber S Province the bank of Jialu
2021 River in Zhengzhou,
Henan Province.
Allegedly, the two
occupants ejected
and survived after
the engine of their
Chengdu J-10S
trainer failed

Source:https://asn.flightsafety.type/J10

Users' Remarks/Experience

14. The J-10C has been adopted by several countries and is generally regarded as a
capable, modern multirole fighter. Reviews highlight its advanced avionics, high
maneuverability, and adaptability for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Below
are insights from key operators:

a. China (PLAAF – People's Liberation Army Air Force).

(1) Review. The J-10C is a critical component of the PLAAF, filling

a versatile role between heavy fighters like the J-20 and lighter fighters.

(2) Performance. Praised for its high agility due to canard-delta

wing design, modern avionics, and AESA radar, enabling strong
performance in both air-to-air and strike roles. Integrated with PL-15 and
PL-10 missiles, offering superior range and accuracy.

(3) Maintenance. Advanced domestic production and modular

design have streamlined maintenance, ensuring high availability rates
across multiple squadrons.

b. Pakistan (PAF – Pakistan Air Force).

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(1) Review. The J-10C is considered a strategic addition to

Pakistan’s fighter fleet, enhancing its counter-air and strike capabilities.

(2) Performance. First used operationally in 2022, the J-10C has

been lauded for its electronic warfare capabilities, precision weaponry, and
ability to counter adversary threats effectively.Noted for complementing
the F-16 in maintaining air superiority.

(3) Maintenance. Early challenges related to logistics and spare

parts have been mitigated through robust support agreements with China,
ensuring satisfactory serviceability rates.

15. Key Observations Across Operators (J-10C)

a. Performance.

(1) Universally recognized for its multirole capability, combining

excellent maneuverability with advanced avionics and weapon systems.

(2) Equipped with AESA radar and long-range missiles (e.g., PL-15
and PL-10), enabling strong air-to-air and precision strike effectiveness.

b. Ease of Operation.

(1) Pilots report the J-10C as being responsive, intuitive, and versatile
across arrange of missions, including air superiority and ground attack.

(2) Advanced cockpit ergonomics and integrated systems reduce pilot

workload.

c. Maintenance.

(1) Modern design and domestic production ensure efficient

maintenance cycles and reduced downtime.

(2) Operators note lower operational costs compared to similar 4.5-

generation aircraft, although reliance on Chinese support remains
significant.

Life Cycle Cost of J-10C.

16. To estimate the life cycle cost and operating cost of the J-10C, we examine
lifecycle data and standard maintenance intervals. Below is a detailed explanation
based on open-source information:

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a. Airframe Life. The airframe life of the J-10C is estimated at 6,000–

8,000 flight hours, depending on operational conditions and maintenance
practices. Service Life Extension Programs (SLEP): While specific SLEP details
are not widely available, operators like China and Pakistan have implemented
local upgrades to extend service life by enhancing structural integrity, avionics,
and systems.

b. Engine Life. The WS-10B (primary engine of J-10C) has a lifecycle

of approximately 3,000–4,000 hours, requiring overhauls every 1,000–1,500 flight
hours. Ongoing advancements in indigenous engine technologies aim to improve
durability and reduce maintenance intervals.

c. Aircraft Lifecycle. The J-10C, with regular maintenance and

upgrades, is expected to serve for 20–30 years in most air forces. The average
service life of active fleets is estimated at 15–20 years depending on usage
intensity and modernization efforts.

d. Overhaul Intervals. Major airframe overhauls are typically

conducted every 10–12 years or based on accumulated flight hours.

15. Operating & Supporting Cost Estimation.

a. Unit Cost. The estimated unit cost of a J-10C ranges between $30–40
million, depending on configuration and weapon systems.

b. Cost Per Flight Hour. Operating cost estimates range between

$10,000–15,000 per hour, including fuel, spares, and personnel.

c. Average Maintenance Costs. Annual maintenance costs are

estimated at $2–3 million per aircraft, depending on operational intensity.

d. Engine Overhaul Cost. Each engine overhaul is estimated to cost

$1.5–2 million.

16. Calculation of Life Cycle Cost (30-Year Lifecycle).

Assumptions:

a. 300 flight hours per year (standard operational tempo).

b. Total flight hours: 9,000 over 30 years.

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c. Major overhauls every 12 years (airframe) and 1,500 hours (engine).

17. Breakdown of Life Cycle Cost Calculation.

a. Procurement Cost: $35 million (base aircraft price).

b. Flight Hours: 9,000 hours × $12,500/hour = $112.5 million.
c. Engine Overhauls: 9,000 hours ÷ 1,500 hours = 6 overhauls × $2 million =
$12 million.
d. Airframe Overhauls: 30 years ÷ 12 years = 2.5 ≈ 3 overhauls × $8 million =
$24 million.
e. Other Maintenance & Upgrades: $2.5 million/year × 30 years = $75
million.

18. Total Estimated Life Cycle Cost.

a. $35M (procurement) + $112.5M (operating) + $12M (engine) + $24M

(airframe) + $75M (maintenance) = $258.5 million.

b. Cost Per Hour: $258.5M ÷ 9,000 hours ≈ $28,722 per hour.

19. Future of J-10C Production and Maintenance Support.

a. Active Production Line. The J-10C is produced by Chengdu Aircraft

Corporation under AVIC. Production is ongoing, with deliveries reported to the
People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and export customers like Pakistan.
Upgraded versions may feature WS-10C engines for enhanced performance and
reduced dependency on Russian AL-31FN engines.

b. Global Demand. The J-10C's affordability, multirole capability, and

advanced features have drawn interest from countries in South Asia, the Middle
East, and Africa, although limited exports have occurred so far.

c. End of Production.No official end date for production has been

announced. Production is expected to continue through the 2030s, with service
life extending into the 2050s or beyond.

20. Future of Maintenance Support.

a. Lifecycle Support. China provides long-term support through AVIC

and domestic supply chains. Export operators like Pakistan have established

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localized MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities to reduce

dependency on Chinese logistics.

b. Upgrades and Modernization. Regular avionics and weapon system

upgrades are expected, keeping the J-10C competitive in modern
warfare.Potential upgrades include AESA radar enhancements, improved
electronic warfare (EW) suites, and new weapon integrations like PL-15E
missiles.

c. Global Maintenance Ecosystem. The J-10C's smaller operator

base limits international maintenance networks. However, strategic partnerships
(e.g., Pakistan-China collaboration) ensure sufficient support.

Conclusion

21. The J-10C is a cost-effective, multirole combat aircraft that continues to evolve
with advanced technologies and localized upgrades. Its affordability, coupled with its
modern avionics, AESA radar, and advanced weaponry, makes it an attractive option for
air forces seeking a capable 4.5-generation fighter. With ongoing production and
maintenance support, the J-10C is expected to remain operational into the 2050s,
fulfilling the needs of current and future operators.

Sources:

 Janes Defence
 Global Times
 Defense World
 Aviation Week
 China Military Online

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