Chengdu FC-1 Fierce Dragon

The lightweight fighter built for export multirole capability.

Overview

Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group China ICAO: FC1 2007–Present $15 million (2016)

The Chengdu FC-1, also known as the JF-17 Thunder, is a lightweight multirole fighter developed jointly by China and Pakistan. Introduced in the 2000s, it was designed as an affordable modern combat aircraft. The type has achieved export success.

Live Fleet Activity (FC1)

📡

Fetching live data…

Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Klimov RD-93 afterburning turbofan
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
19,000 lbf · 85 kN
Avionics
Aselsan ASELPOD, Indra Systems ALQ-500P, Airborne Pulse Doppler Fire-Control Radar - KLJ-7V2.
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
49 ft 0 in  ·  14.93 m
Tail height
15 ft 8 in  ·  4.77 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
31 ft 0 in  ·  9.44 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
28,000 lb  ·  12,700 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
6,600 lb  ·  3,000 kg
Fuel capacity
620 gal · 2,300 L · 1,900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
734 kt  ·  845 mph  ·  1,359 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,300 nm  ·  1,500 mi  ·  2,410 km
Fuel burn
5.76 nm/gal  ·  2.82 km/L
Ceiling
55,000 ft  ·  16,800 m
Rate of climb
59,000 ft/min  ·  300 m/s
Takeoff distance
370 ft  ·  110 m
Landing distance
540 ft  ·  170 m
(/) tap to zoom
(/)
Pakistan Air Force Chengdu JF-17 / Pulqui-111 ‘Thunder’

Live fleet activity details

📡
Fetching live data…
All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

Chengdu FC-1 Fierce Dragon — lightweight multirole fighter

The FC-1 first flew in 2003 and entered service in 2007. It features a single-engine layout and modern radar systems. The aircraft was developed to replace older generation fighters.

A single turbofan engine producing approximately 19,000 pounds of thrust (85 kN) with afterburner powers the aircraft. Maximum speed approaches Mach 1.6. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 28,000 pounds (12,701 kg).

The FC-1 has been exported and continues to receive upgrades. It provides a cost-effective multirole platform for air forces. The aircraft remains in active production.

Blog mentions