Fighter Jets
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
ICAO: J10
Overview
The Chengdu J-20 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Introduced in the 2010s, it incorporates low-observable design features and advanced avionics. The aircraft represents a major step in China’s combat aircraft development.
Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 2 × Shenyang WS-15
- Engine type
- Turbofan
- Thrust
- 2 × 40,000 lbf · 178 kN
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 1
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 75 ft 6 in · 23.00 m
- Tail height
- 16 ft 5 in · 5.00 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 6 ft 7 in · 2.00 m
- Wing span
- 49 ft 3 in · 15.00 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 81,500 lb · 37,000 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 28,000 lb · 12,700 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 4,150 gal · 15,800 L · 12,600 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 1,333 kt · 1,534 mph · 2,469 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 3,200 nm · 3,680 mi · 5,930 km
- Fuel burn
- —
- Ceiling
- 66,000 ft · 20,100 m
- Rate of climb
- 60,000 ft/min · 305 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
Gallery
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Operational Context
Chengdu J-20 — fifth-generation stealth fighter
The J-20 first flew in 2011 and entered service in 2017. It features a delta wing with canards and internal weapon bays designed to reduce radar cross-section. The aircraft is intended to conduct air superiority and long-range strike missions.
Powered by twin turbofan engines producing approximately 30,000 pounds of thrust (133 kN) each depending on variant, the J-20 is capable of supersonic cruise and high-altitude operations. Maximum takeoff weight is estimated to exceed 75,000 pounds (34,000 kg). Armament is carried internally to preserve stealth characteristics.
The J-20 represents China’s first operational stealth fighter. It is central to the modernization of the country’s air combat capabilities. Production continues with ongoing engine and avionics refinements.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.