Chengdu J-10 - Variants

Variants

• J-10A: Single seat multi-role variant. The export designation is F-10A.

• J-10S: Twin-seat fighter-trainer variant of the J-10A. The forward fuselage of the aircraft is stretched to accommodate an additional pilot seat, two pilots sit in tandem with a single large bubble canopy. Also incorporates an enlarged dorsal spine which may accommodate additional avionics equipment or fuel. As well as serving as training aircraft, the J-10S may also be used for the ground attack role where the rear seat pilot would act as the weapon systems operator.

• J-10AH: Naval version of the J-10A.

• J-10B: An upgraded variant of the J-10 with new technologies, also known as the "Super-10." The existence of the J-10B is not confirmed by official Chinese sources, but numerous images of a new J-10 variant have surfaced, showing a prototype J-10 modified with increased radar absorbent material, next generation of integrated EW suite, increased composites, new generation avionics, MAW, a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI), an infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor, modified vertical stabiliser and wings, ventral fins, housings fitted under the wings, upgraded WS-10B engine, next generation of solid-state integrated electronics, and a modified nose with an AESA radar. It had its first flight in December 2008. Based on the limited information released, the aircraft has a radar cross-section of less than 0.005m2, comparable to a Eurofighter.

• FC-20: An export variant of the J-10B designed for the Pakistan Air Force. First flight stated to take place in 2009.