D
Air ForcesChina

J-10A (Firebird)

Multirole combat aircraftFielded 2006Pending verification

Also known as: Chengdu J-10

Air ForcesCHN
J-10A (Firebird)
Photo: Tyg728 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMultirole combat aircraft
Alternative designationsChengdu J-10
Date of introduction2006
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerChengdu Aircraft Industry GroupMed[1]
Crew1Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length16.43 m54 ftMed[1]
Height5.43 m18 ftMed[1]
Wingspan11.3 m37 ftMed[1]
Wing area45.5 m sqMed[1]
Empty weight9,730 kg21,451 lbMed[1]
Max takeoff weight24,650 kg54,344 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine1 x Saturn Lyulka AL-31FMed[1]
Thrust / power27,558 lb (12,500 kg) static thrustMed[1]
Range1,853 km1,151 mi · 1,001 nmiMed[1]
SpeedMach 1.85–2Med[1]
Service ceiling18,000 m59,055 ftMed[1]
Protection
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Armament and payload
Hardpoints11 in total (6× under-wing, 2× under-intake and 3× under-fuselage) with a capacity of 7,000 kg (15,400 lb) external fuel and ordnanceMed[1]
Rocket Weapon System90 mm unguided rocket podsMed[1]
Armament1 x Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23; PL-10 (ASR); PL-11; PL-12Med[1]
Fire control
Fire Control RadarType 1473H pulse-doppler fire control radarMed[1]
Externally Mounted Avionic Pods*Type Hongguang-I infra-red search and track pod *BM/KG300G self-protection jamming pod *KZ900 electronic reconnaissance pod *Blue Sky navigation/attack pod *FILAT…Med[1]
Variants
J-10ASingle seat multi-role variant. The export designation is F-10A.[1]
J-10STandem-seated trainer variant of J-10A.[1]
J-10BAn upgraded J-10, initially identified as "Super-10". It features a lighter and stealthier diverterless supersonic inlet, a longer nose radome possibly housing an active electronically scanned array radar, an electro-optic targeting sensor (IRST, and laser…[1]
J-10CAn upgraded version of J-10B, it is equipped with an indigenous Active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar and is equipped with infrared-homing PL-10 and new long range PL-15 air-to-air missile (AAM).[1]
FC-20Single seat multi-role fighter jet, the export version of the J-10.[1]
J-10B TVC DemonstratorA prototype fighter based on J-10B that is equipped with WS-10B thrust-vectoring control engine. The fighter has supermaneuverability, capable of performing Pugachev's Cobra.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 4Confidence · Source
1 x Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23Autocannon
Med[1]
Type
Autocannon
Caliber
23mm
Rate of fire
3,400–3,600 rounds/min
PL-10 (ASR)Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Range
60 km37 mi · 32 nmi
Type
Air-to-Air Missile
Guidance
Multi-element imaging infrared
Warhead
Blast-frag, or expanding rod (RF-fuse)
Length
3.0 m
PL-11Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Range
40–75 km25–47 mi · 22–40 nmi
Type
Air-to-Air Missile
Speed
Mach 4
Length
3.89 m
PL-12Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Range
100 km62 mi · 54 nmi
Type
Air-to-Air Missile
Guidance
Active Radar
Summary

The Chengdu J-10, known by its NATO reporting name "Firebird" and also referred to as "Vigorous Dragon," is a single-engine, lightweight multirole fighter aircraft designed for all-weather operations.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. J-10A (Firebird) Chinese Multirole Combat Aircraft, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)