Chengdu J-10 vs JAS 39 Gripen

By: Rocco · June 22, 2023

Comparing the Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon vs the Saab Gripen JAS 39B? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Fighter Jets
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Saab Gripen JAS 39B
Military Aircraft
Saab Gripen JAS 39B

General

Units
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Manufacturer
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
ICAO code
J10
Produced
2004–Present
Price
$50 million (2013)
Engine
1 × Woshan WS-10A Taihang or Saturn-Lyulka AL-31FN
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
29,101 lbf · 129 kN +141% (total)
Avionics
Digital fly-by-wire flight control system and HOTAS
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2 economy · 1 business
Saab Gripen JAS 39B
Manufacturer
Saab Gripen
ICAO code
Produced
1996–Present
Price
$61 million (1900)
Engine
Engine type
-
Thrust
12,100 lbf · 54 kN -58% (total)
Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2

Dimensions

Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Cabin width
Cabin height
Cabin length
Exterior length
50 ft 10 in 15.50 m 50 ft 10 in 15.50 m +184%
Tail height
15 ft 8 in 4.78 m 15 ft 8 in 4.78 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 3 in 1.30 m 4 ft 3 in 1.30 m
Wing span
31 ft 10 in 9.70 m 31 ft 10 in 9.70 m +60%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Saab Gripen JAS 39B
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
17 ft 11 in 5.46 m 17 ft 11 in 5.46 m -65%
Tail height
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m -100%
Wing span
19 ft 11 in 6.07 m 19 ft 11 in 6.07 m -37%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m

Weights

Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Max payload
9,900 lb 4,500 kg 9,900 lb 4,500 kg -31%
Fuel capacity
1,480 gal 5,602 L 1,480 gal 5,602 L +6067%
Max takeoff weight
40,600 lb 18,400 kg 40,600 lb 18,400 kg -40%
Saab Gripen JAS 39B
Max payload
14,300 lb 6,500 kg 14,300 lb 6,500 kg +44%
Fuel capacity
24 gal 91 L 24 gal 91 L -98%
Max takeoff weight
68,000 lb 30,900 kg 68,000 lb 30,900 kg +68%

Performance

Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Max cruise speed
1,261 kt · 1,451 mph 2,335 km/h 1,261 kt 1,451 mph 2,335 km/h +688%
Approach speed
110 kt · 127 mph 204 km/h 110 kt 127 mph 204 km/h
Rate of climb
46,300 ft/min 235 m/s 46,300 ft/min 235 m/s +385733%
Range
2,100 nm · 2,420 mi 3,890 km 2,100 nm 2,420 mi 3,890 km +22%
Service ceiling
65,600 ft 20,000 m 65,600 ft 20,000 m +286%
Takeoff distance
650 ft 200 m 650 ft 200 m -19%
Landing distance
620 ft 190 m 620 ft 190 m +3%
Saab Gripen JAS 39B
Max cruise speed
160 kt · 184 mph 296 km/h 160 kt 184 mph 296 km/h -87%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
12 ft/min 0 m/s 12 ft/min 0 m/s -100%
Range
1,728 nm · 1,990 mi 3,200 km 1,728 nm 1,990 mi 3,200 km -18%
Service ceiling
17,000 ft 5,200 m 17,000 ft 5,200 m -74%
Takeoff distance
800 ft 240 m 800 ft 240 m +23%
Landing distance
600 ft 180 m 600 ft 180 m -3%

Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon comparisons

No other comparisons yet.

The J-10 and JAS 39 Gripen are both popular fighter jets. They have many similarities, but there are also some key differences. This article will compare the J-10 and JAS 39 Gripen and see which one comes out on top!

About the Chengdu J-10

The Chengdu J-10 is a fighter jet developed by China that has earned high praise in aviation circles and has also been called “the pride of China.” This aircraft, which first flew in March of 1998 and was made operational in 2003, offers impressive speed and agility.

With a top speed just under Mach 2 or twice the speed of sound, the J-10 can fly up to two miles per second if necessary – fast enough to outclass other jets like the F-16 and MiG 21. Additionally, due to its advanced design and powerful engine, it can carry an impressive payload for its size, allowing it to quickly execute various aerial combat maneuvers.

Despite being smaller than many other fighter jets, the J-10’s impressive performance has given it a significant presence on international stages; as such, it will no doubt continue to assert itself as an enduring symbol of Chinese military superiority in the years ahead.

About the JAS 39 Gripen

The JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine, fourth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft made by Saab in Sweden. This innovative aircraft proves it doesn’t take the most advanced and resource-heavy tech to dominate the sky!

Thanks to its light construction and efficient engines, this lightweight fighter packs an impressive performance in nearly all aspects of aerial combat. It is equipped with advanced and state-of-the-art weapons systems, such as long-range and short-range air-to-air missiles, dumb bombs, and guided bombs.

Its modern avionics system ensures high precision even in the most challenging environments. When you combine these impressive features with its cost efficiency and easy maintenance needs, you get one of the best aircraft available today.

Whether confronting other fighters or neutralizing ground targets, no mission is too big for the JAS 39 Gripen!

Differences between the Chengdu J-10 and the JAS 39 Gripen

The Chengdu J-10 and JAS 39 Gripen are both Chinese-made and Swedish-made multirole fighters, both capable of engaging airborne, surface, and ground targets. Though both share a similar combat role, each soldier has unique characteristics that set them apart.

The J-10, for instance, is more prominent in size and packs more firepower than the Gripen while maintaining high agility. On the other hand, the Gripen utilizes advanced avionics systems with integrated datalinks to provide tactical situation awareness.

Both fighters also have their own strengths regarding aerial combat capabilities since the J-10 emphasizes superior maneuverability. At the same time, the Gripen focuses more on radar technologies that enhance its combat range.

Ultimately, whatever choice would suit any pilot or air force best depends heavily on their specific needs and requirements regarding air superiority.

Similarities between the Chengdu J-10 and the JAS 39 Gripen

The Chengdu J-10 is an elegant aircraft developed by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Comparable to the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen, the two fighters look alike and share many of the same traits.

Sitting low yet proud at just over 15 meters in length and sporting typical delta wings, both are a testament to modern aircraft engineering and design. Further, both models use reliable turbojet engines and boast viable combat range levels of around 2000 kilometers.

The Chengdu J-10 also mimics its Swedish cousin, with an impressive roll rate of 300 degrees per second and a slightly slower top speed at Mach 2.25 versus the Gripen’s 2.3Mach speeds.

As tensions mount between China’s rapid modernization program and its adversaries, these sleek birds will likely be seen flexing their might in the skies above soon enough.

What’s better about the JAS 39 Gripen

Here are four better things about JAS 39 Gripen:

Sleek design:

This aircraft boasts a sleek, supersonic design capable of cruising speeds up to Mach 2. Designed to modernize Sweden’s air defense capabilities, the multifunctional fighter jet provides improved survivability and cost-efficiency over traditional models.

Versatile aircraft:

It is also a very versatile aircraft that can be used for air-to-air combat, reconnaissance missions, and close air support. Powered by a single General Electric F414 turbofan engine, the Gripen has a range of about 300 miles and can reach altitudes above 1km in no time.

Heavily armed:

It is also equipped with air-to-air missiles, cannons, and electronic countermeasures to protect itself from airborne threats. To top it off, its aerodynamic shape reduces drag. It increases maneuverability allowing it to perform complex aerial maneuvers with ease.

What’s better thing about the Chengdu J-10

Here are four better things about Chengdu J-10:

Incredibly maneuverable:

Its advanced agility and aerodynamics are second-to-none and have been designed to make it incredibly maneuverable in the air. It features a powerful engine and reinforced airframe, making it a very durable machine that can withstand extreme weather conditions and tumultuous airspace.

Best dynamics control:

The wings of the J-10 also boast cutting-edge technology, allowing for dynamic control when making tight turns or twisting evasive maneuvers during a dogfight.

Sleek design:

Its sleek appearance is highly eye-catching, a valid symbol of modern aviation prowess. Altogether, the Chengdu J-10 is one of the most impressive aircraft and deserves our admiration.

Advanced Avionics:

Outfitted with an impressive avionics package, the Chengdu J-10 is specifically designed to rapidly transition between multiple mission roles.

Conclusion

Overall, the Chengdu J-10 and the JAS 39 Gripen are top-of-the-line fighters with excellent performance. While both aircraft have advantages and disadvantages, they can still be considered two of the best military aircraft.

Ultimately, choosing between these two depends on a pilot or airforce’s mission requirements and the terrain they will be operating in.

Each aircraft is designed to meet specific mission requirements and excels in its own way. Nevertheless, both J10 and Gripen are excellent fighters that can provide an edge in any modern aerial conflict.