J-10C Vigorous Dragon: China's Advanced Stealth-Capable Fighter

J-10C Vigorous Dragon PLAAF

The Chengdu J-10C Vigorous Dragon represents China's most advanced single-engine multirole fighter, incorporating stealth enhancements, AESA radar, and modern avionics to compete with 4.5-generation fighters worldwide. As the pinnacle of the J-10 series, the C variant entered PLAAF service in 2018 and has become a cornerstone of China's air defense strategy.

"The J-10C gives us our first credible answer to Western 4.5-gen fighters - it's not just about the technology, but how we've integrated it into a cohesive weapons system."
— PLAAF Colonel, J-10C evaluation pilot

Evolution of the Vigorous Dragon

J-10 Series Development Timeline

J-10A (2004): Initial operational variant with mechanical radar
J-10B (2013): Introduced DSI inlet, IRST, and PESA radar
J-10C (2017): AESA radar, stealth coatings, WS-10B engine
J-10CE (2020): Export variant (Pakistan first customer)

Key Improvements in J-10C

Radar Cross-Section Reduction: RAM coatings, redesigned components
Sensor Fusion: Integrated EW and optical systems
Weapons Flexibility: PL-15/10 missiles compatibility
Engine Upgrade: Domestic WS-10B replacing Russian AL-31FN

Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Performance

Length: 16.9 m (55.4 ft)
Wingspan: 9.75 m (32 ft)
Max Speed: Mach 2.2 (2,400 km/h)
Combat Radius: 1,100 km (w/ 3 drop tanks)
Service Ceiling: 18,000 m (59,000 ft)

Avionics Suite

Radar: Type-1475 KLJ-7A AESA (185km detection)
IRST: EORD-31 infrared search and track
EW: Integrated electronic warfare suite
Data Link: Chinese equivalent to Link 16
HUD: Wide-angle holographic display

Powerplant

Engine: WS-10B Taihang turbofan
Thrust: 142 kN (32,000 lbf) with afterburner
Thrust-to-Weight: ~1.0 (clean configuration)
Fuel Capacity: 4,950 kg internal

Stealth Characteristics

Feature	Implementation	Effectiveness
Radar Absorbent Materials	Special coatings on wings, intakes, and canopy	Estimated 50% RCS reduction vs J-10A
Airframe Design	DSI inlet, aligned edges, reduced protrusions	Frontal RCS comparable to early F-16C
Weapons Carriage	Internal bays not fitted (external stealth pods planned)	Current config limits stealth advantage
IR Signature	Engine nozzle treatments	Reduced heat signature vs previous models

Armament

Standard Weapons Loadout

Air-to-Air

PL-15 (150km range AAM)
PL-10 (HOBS IR missile)
PL-12 (active radar mid-range)

Air-to-Ground

LS-500J laser-guided bomb
YJ-91 anti-radiation missile
FT series precision bombs

Other

800L drop tank (x3)
KG600/800 EW pods
KZ900 reconnaissance pod

Operational Deployment

Unit	Base	Notable Activities
44th Air Brigade	Mengzi, Yunnan	South China Sea patrols
131st Air Brigade	Guiyang, Guizhou	Tibetan plateau operations
Pakistani No. 15 Squadron	Minhas AB	J-10CE export operations