The IJ-10 Fighter is China’s answer to the F-16 – Here’s how the two Jets stack up
China builds its own military, including making its own uniforms. Although it had previously spoken at the level of importing or licensing Soviet or Russian jets, it finally produced its own modern, domestic aircraft. The mighty J-10 Dragon is one of the most advanced Chinese fighter jets known to exist today. Development of this multi-role single-role jet began in the 1980s and entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2004 as the J-10A.
It didn’t stop at the original version, however, with the upgraded J-10B service arriving in 2008 with a fixed feed, improved sensors, and improved cockpit and avionics. In 2015, the third, J-10C, took to the sky, a more organized radar, datalink and a new satellite engine, and an engine made from the new AL-31F).
One of the aircraft’s most dynamic features is its Delta Wing configuration and canards. This allows the jet to be nImbler than standard designs, even if the speed is low, while using the quadruple-by-wire-wire system, helping to ensure that the pilot remains in control even during tight control. The IJ-10C, when paired with the latest WS-10c engine, is expected to generate 27,500 LBF of thrust, allowing it to hit a top speed of Mach 2.2. Additionally, it features 11 hardpointred external fuel tanks, bombs, and missiles, with a maximum payload of 12,300 pounds.
Most importantly, the J-10C is an inexpensive jet, at US$40 to $50 million. This is one of the reasons why other countries are buying Chinese fighter jets, with Pakistan operating more than 25 dragon airframes. Other nations, including Bangladesh and Indonesia, have also expressed interest in it.
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How does the IF-16 compare to the J-10C
IF-16V preparing to take off – Peter r Foster IDMA / Shutterstock
The US also has a single-engine fighter in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is an older design than that, when it first flew in 1976. Despite that, the MARTIN lock continued to develop it, with the F-16V, one of the most popular fighter jets in the world, with 3,100 in service worldwide.
F-16 operators have two engine options: the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229, which delivers 29,100 LBF of the T10 But no matter which power plant you choose, the F-16 still has a maximum speed of Mach 2. It has a maximum payload of 2,000 bombs, two AIM-9 tanks, and can be equipped with external fuel missiles, and and can be included in both conventional and nuclear modifications. The basic versions of this jet are quite cheap, with a price ranging between $25 to $30 million. But if you want to get the latest variant, the cost of the F-16 will be closer to $ 60 to $ 70 million each, making it more expensive than the J-10C.
Some may argue that the F-16V is superior to the J-10C, especially given Martin’s extensive experience at Lockheed Martin in developing fighters. On the other hand, some may say that the J-10C is the new one, with the Chinese lessons learned by its engineers over the years. But while technology plays a role in any conflict, training, military doctrine, and the determination of pilots play a major role in how these Jets will perform.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
