Introduction
Is the Dragon really vigorous? Referring this because J-10 is nicknamed as "Vigorous Dragon". I read various Chinese websites that claim J-10 as one of the most potent machine available in the world. Also, few sources claim it better than western counterpart. One such example is here. Well, it claims J-10 as the "god" of the aircrafts in its generation. (In case if you don't know, Chinese criteria for defining aircraft generations differ from international standards. China defines aircraft generations based upon when an aircraft was integrated into the air force. Per China’s criteria, the J-10 is considered a third-generation aircraft as it was developed between 1990-2000.)
Well, in order to check the statement in which J-10 is considered as "god", it is important to analyse with the available information. Also, comparing it with a counterpart is essential. In a post of my facebook page, I mentioned that Eurofighter is better than J-10 and many people started complaining that I should research before writing. So, here I present my research and detailed analysis in order to compare Chengdu J-10 "Vigorous Dragon" with BAe Eurofighter "Typhoon". It is fair comparison because both the aircrafts are canard- delta wing multirole fighters. Now one more point is that I know China is not an experienced player in manufacturing fighter jets and we should appreciate that how it is working hard to develop sufficient fighter jets at cheap rates unlike the western fighters where money is god. But if you're bringing something in the market, then you should compete with other manufactures who brought the similar product. You need to make you way to the top. Similarly, developing a fighter jet isn't enough. Manufacturer should upgrade it time to time so that it achieve a remarkable position.
This post is also connected with our facebook post. After publishing an article on J-9, various people cursed us in the comments section and demanded us to do a lot of research. So, here I present you the sources:
1) Chengdu J9- Secret Projects UK
2) Chengdu J9- Military Watch Magazine
Without wasting any more time, let's start the comparison:
•Radar
J-10C is said to be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar. The radar name and specifications are not yet revealed and therefore I cannot compare it with it's counterpart this time. So, I am taking KLJ-3 Pulse Doppler Radar here, that is equipped on J-10A. China imported a multi-Ministry EL/M-2032-radar airborne radar, on which later it developed KLJ-3 radar.
Meanwhile, Eurofighter Typhhon is armed with CAPTOR Multimode Pulse Doppler. Even after not being an AESA, the radar is still considered as effective as an AESA radar and hence, the most advanced Pulse-Doppler radar available in the world. It features a mechanically steered array buy the low inertia non-counterbalanced antenna combined with four high torque, samarium-cobalt drive motors offers extremely high scanning speeds. It features a separate data channel exclusively for screening ECM, claiming to offer a robust protection from enemy interference (though a mechanical radar is still more vulnerable to jamming than an AESA set). At this time, range of AESA of J-10 is not revealed. But the range of CAPTOR-M is somewhere between 175-190km to detect fighter jets. Large sized aircrafts like Y-20, Il-76, etc., can be detected within 320km range. Very soon, the radar will be upgraded to CAPTOR-E, an Active Electronically Scanned Array variant.
Here, I place my bet on Eurofighter Typhoon. We don't know about the true characteristics of Chinese radar and therefore, can't assume it as competitive as European radar. And CAPTOR-M, being a succesful and advanced Pulse Doppler, is ofcourse better to detect and track airborne targets.
•Armament
Eurofighter Typhoon owns Meteor as it's primary BVRAAM. Metor is considered as world's best Air-to-air missile. It is capable to hit targets under the range of 150km. No Escape Zone (NEZ) of 60 km leaving no chance for the target to evade. It has air-breathing ramjet propulsion system which also provides a max speed upto Mach 4.5–5. A Two way data-link and an active radar target seeker ensures that Meteor reaches its target, even at very long ranges. Two-way data-link enables the missile to be guided by an AWACS or by other aircraft sharing the link in case if the aircraft launching the missile is not in suitable firing range. A jam resistant proximity fuze allows effective precision and course of the weapon. It has the capability to engage targets ranging from fast-jets to cruise missiles, ability to work in all weathers, during day or night, in full electronic countermeasure environments, with effective kinematic performance and a high degree of network-centric readiness.
J-10 on the other hand, use PL-15 BVRAAM, considered as the AAM with the longest range in the world. It has an effective range upto 160–170 kms, few sources report that the actual range may be something around 200 kms or even 400 kms. Thanks to double-pulse solid rocket motor in the propulsion system, it has a a max speed of Mach 5. It also features anti-interference data link system that makes it very much trustworthy for the operators as it is hard to jam even at long courses. Unfortunately, many analysts believe that PL-15 at long ranges is not sufficient to hit highly manueverable targets like fighter jets. It is more like R-37 AAM which is primarily an Anti-AWACS missile. Similarly, PL-15 is more preferred to hit big size targets at 200-400 instead of fighter jets. So, the max range to hit jet like target, the range must be somewhere around 150-160km. But it also depends on NEZ which gives 99% kill assurance. So Meteor is little ahead. In order to precisely hit a fighter jet, J-10 also carries PL-12 BVRAAM. PL-12 (aka SD-10) is a Chinese development but carries similar technology of R77 with little indigenous modifications that can be noticed in the shape and propulsion system. Very few information is available on the internet but after researching about the missile, I came to know that this missile can only engage the targets under the range of 70-75km and has a speed upto Mach 3.5–4. Enough for BVR engagements against potential threats.
Meteor, having a larger No-Escape Zone of 60kms,(source:- Official SAAB website) it is highly accurate and more challenging (if not better) than PL-15.
For Within Visual Range Combat, Eurofighter carries AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). It works on Imaging Infrared guidance system and has a low-drag design concept incorporating body lift technology. It is fitted with high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead with impact and laser proximity fuses. It features "both Lock-On Before Launch as well as Lock-On After Launch. ASRAAM has an extremely long range for its class and is very fast (around mach 3.3) – though other WVRAAMs boast higher top speeds, it is believed that ASRAAM’s bigger motor allows it to better retain its speed and helps in gaining almost Beyond Visual Range.
IRIS-T is also an alternative to ASRAAM. It is also an Imaging InfraRed missile. It has Thrust Vector Control installed in the tail. It utilizes a solid-propellant rocket motor. IRIS-T features a roll-pitch IIR seeker with 90° look angle for high off-boresight angle missile engagements. Engagements against targets in the rear hemisphere can be done successfully with the missile locked-on target after launch.(LOAL mode). IRIS-T outstanding agility is the key to successfully engage highly maneuverable advanced aircraft.
For close-range engagements, J-10 carries PL-5 or PL-9 WVRAAMs. PL-5 is said to be a reverse engineered AIM-9 featuring AA-10 technology. It carries a 6kg warhead with laser proximity fuse detonation system. It has a speed upto Mach 2.5 and can engage targets under the range of 18 kms. PL-5E features a double delta canards, a 40 degree off boresight capability, and 40G manoeuvre capability. PL-9, with solid fuel rocket propulsion system and 11.5 kg warhead, can achieve a speed of Mach 2. It has omnidirectional attack capability and good maneuverability. It has multi-element infrared guidance system that works under the range of 22 kms. Flight control is by long span pointed delta fins at the front of the missile with Sidewinder-type slipstream driven rollerons on the aft tail fin surfaces to prevent roll and so enhance operation of the guidance system.
It is also said that China started integrating their latest WVRAAM PL-10 on J-10. The PL-10 uses the broad-chord narrow-span wing and Thrusy Vector Control system. The missile is fitted with an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker capable of +/-90 degree off boresight angles. As it is intended for use with stealthy aircraft, notably the J-20, it is likely to have LOAL capabilities with datalink connectivity. Little is known about it at the moment. Therefore, it is most probably in testing phase.
Conclusion is that ASRAAM is better than PL-9 and PL-5 as it features better manueverable capability, Imaging infra-red seeker for accuracy, LOAL and LOAB modes. Also, when cued with Striker II HMD/S of EFT, missile avails an easy operation during close combat engagements. Also, it is hard to fool IIR missile with flares.
Comparing IRIS-T with PL-10, it is a tie between both the missiles.
J-10 on the other hand, use PL-15 BVRAAM, considered as the AAM with the longest range in the world. It has an effective range upto 160–170 kms, few sources report that the actual range may be something around 200 kms or even 400 kms. Thanks to double-pulse solid rocket motor in the propulsion system, it has a a max speed of Mach 5. It also features anti-interference data link system that makes it very much trustworthy for the operators as it is hard to jam even at long courses. Unfortunately, many analysts believe that PL-15 at long ranges is not sufficient to hit highly manueverable targets like fighter jets. It is more like R-37 AAM which is primarily an Anti-AWACS missile. Similarly, PL-15 is more preferred to hit big size targets at 200-400 instead of fighter jets. So, the max range to hit jet like target, the range must be somewhere around 150-160km. But it also depends on NEZ which gives 99% kill assurance. So Meteor is little ahead. In order to precisely hit a fighter jet, J-10 also carries PL-12 BVRAAM. PL-12 (aka SD-10) is a Chinese development but carries similar technology of R77 with little indigenous modifications that can be noticed in the shape and propulsion system. Very few information is available on the internet but after researching about the missile, I came to know that this missile can only engage the targets under the range of 70-75km and has a speed upto Mach 3.5–4. Enough for BVR engagements against potential threats.
Meteor, having a larger No-Escape Zone of 60kms,(source:- Official SAAB website) it is highly accurate and more challenging (if not better) than PL-15.
For Within Visual Range Combat, Eurofighter carries AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). It works on Imaging Infrared guidance system and has a low-drag design concept incorporating body lift technology. It is fitted with high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead with impact and laser proximity fuses. It features "both Lock-On Before Launch as well as Lock-On After Launch. ASRAAM has an extremely long range for its class and is very fast (around mach 3.3) – though other WVRAAMs boast higher top speeds, it is believed that ASRAAM’s bigger motor allows it to better retain its speed and helps in gaining almost Beyond Visual Range.
IRIS-T is also an alternative to ASRAAM. It is also an Imaging InfraRed missile. It has Thrust Vector Control installed in the tail. It utilizes a solid-propellant rocket motor. IRIS-T features a roll-pitch IIR seeker with 90° look angle for high off-boresight angle missile engagements. Engagements against targets in the rear hemisphere can be done successfully with the missile locked-on target after launch.(LOAL mode). IRIS-T outstanding agility is the key to successfully engage highly maneuverable advanced aircraft.
For close-range engagements, J-10 carries PL-5 or PL-9 WVRAAMs. PL-5 is said to be a reverse engineered AIM-9 featuring AA-10 technology. It carries a 6kg warhead with laser proximity fuse detonation system. It has a speed upto Mach 2.5 and can engage targets under the range of 18 kms. PL-5E features a double delta canards, a 40 degree off boresight capability, and 40G manoeuvre capability. PL-9, with solid fuel rocket propulsion system and 11.5 kg warhead, can achieve a speed of Mach 2. It has omnidirectional attack capability and good maneuverability. It has multi-element infrared guidance system that works under the range of 22 kms. Flight control is by long span pointed delta fins at the front of the missile with Sidewinder-type slipstream driven rollerons on the aft tail fin surfaces to prevent roll and so enhance operation of the guidance system.
Conclusion is that ASRAAM is better than PL-9 and PL-5 as it features better manueverable capability, Imaging infra-red seeker for accuracy, LOAL and LOAB modes. Also, when cued with Striker II HMD/S of EFT, missile avails an easy operation during close combat engagements. Also, it is hard to fool IIR missile with flares.
Comparing IRIS-T with PL-10, it is a tie between both the missiles.
• Agility, Design and Manuverability
Sources:-
•For J-10C-Hushkit
However, RCS isn't a big deal. While carrying weapons, RCS generally increases so in combat, none of the fighter would be "invisible" to enemy radar. FYI, Stealth is not about invisibility. It is all about delay in tracking time by hostile radars. An F-22 can be tracked by radars, but by the time radars pick up F-22 signal, the mission would be completed. In order to maintain the low RCS, 5th generation aircraft concepts feature internal weapons bay.
•Electronic Warfare
However, RCS isn't a big deal. While carrying weapons, RCS generally increases so in combat, none of the fighter would be "invisible" to enemy radar. FYI, Stealth is not about invisibility. It is all about delay in tracking time by hostile radars. An F-22 can be tracked by radars, but by the time radars pick up F-22 signal, the mission would be completed. In order to maintain the low RCS, 5th generation aircraft concepts feature internal weapons bay.
•Electronic Warfare
In this era 5th generation warfare, Electronics play an important role in combat. With latest aircrafts now operates with Fly-by wire system, jamming is necessary to block critical information supply. Eurofighter Typhoon is equipped with one of the best European EW Suite, the European Defensive Aid Sub-System (EuroDASS). It is a combination of various protection equipments, that provides threat assessment, aircraft protection and support measures in extremely hostile and severe environments. The EuroDASS system comprises an integrated radar warner, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), a laser threat and missile approach warning system, an Electronic Countermeasures System (ECM), decoys, towed decoys, jammers and other sensors and avionics. The ESM/ECM constitutes a powerful radar jamming system. All the subsystems of EuroDASS are managed by a single central computer that is automatic. The EuroDASS displays situational awareness information to the pilot which includes radar and SAM sites while enhancing survivability during military missions. As it a fully integrated system of Eurofughter, it doesn’t require additional pods that take up weapon stations or would influence the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance.
At this stage, J-10 carries an external pod for Electronic Warfare. It is KG800 system. It is capable of disrupting enemy airborne fire control radars and SAM search and fire-control/illumination radars. It also increases the combat plane's survivability against AESA threats that are launched against the plane. It has a Broad jamming radar bands and High effective radiated power. KG-300G pod is an alternative. This pod is designed to counter land-based, airborne, and naval radars at I/J bands, particularly pulse Doppler radars. The pod is highly digitized, and can be installed on a variety of platforms from helicopters to heavy bombers. The system adopts modular design and with open architecture software programming, and it is fully automatic, though human intervention is also optional. In addition to automatic warning, the system can also automatically select and implement the best form of countermeasure. The system is highly adaptive and can be integrated as an overall self-defense system with other avionics such as RWR, and is compatible with MIL-STD-1553B standard.
(Source:- BM/KG300G- Wikipedia)
Now the thing is that this system is carried externally. It either take a hardpoint or increase the payload (either installed on an hardpoint or under the belly). Also, absence of decoy system cannot be ignored. Decoy System helps in fooling incoming guided missiles which are highly advanced and a fine example here is Meteor which is hard to jam as well as hard to fool with Chaff.
Eurofighter Typhoon, with the integration of EuroDASS, can equip itself with Leonardo BriteCloud Decoy system. It is small, compact, DRFM-based active RF countermeasure that has the capability to defeat the majority of RF-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air threat systems. It is small in size and hence, compatible to be dispensed from standard chaff/flare dispensers and therefore requires minimal platform integration. Utilising advanced techniques it is effective against active and semi-active RF seekers, and fire control radars.
At this stage, J-10 carries an external pod for Electronic Warfare. It is KG800 system. It is capable of disrupting enemy airborne fire control radars and SAM search and fire-control/illumination radars. It also increases the combat plane's survivability against AESA threats that are launched against the plane. It has a Broad jamming radar bands and High effective radiated power. KG-300G pod is an alternative. This pod is designed to counter land-based, airborne, and naval radars at I/J bands, particularly pulse Doppler radars. The pod is highly digitized, and can be installed on a variety of platforms from helicopters to heavy bombers. The system adopts modular design and with open architecture software programming, and it is fully automatic, though human intervention is also optional. In addition to automatic warning, the system can also automatically select and implement the best form of countermeasure. The system is highly adaptive and can be integrated as an overall self-defense system with other avionics such as RWR, and is compatible with MIL-STD-1553B standard.
(Source:- BM/KG300G- Wikipedia)
Now the thing is that this system is carried externally. It either take a hardpoint or increase the payload (either installed on an hardpoint or under the belly). Also, absence of decoy system cannot be ignored. Decoy System helps in fooling incoming guided missiles which are highly advanced and a fine example here is Meteor which is hard to jam as well as hard to fool with Chaff.
Eurofighter Typhoon, with the integration of EuroDASS, can equip itself with Leonardo BriteCloud Decoy system. It is small, compact, DRFM-based active RF countermeasure that has the capability to defeat the majority of RF-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air threat systems. It is small in size and hence, compatible to be dispensed from standard chaff/flare dispensers and therefore requires minimal platform integration. Utilising advanced techniques it is effective against active and semi-active RF seekers, and fire control radars.
So now we finally completed our comparison. And in every factor, one can observe that Eurofighter is better than J-10 in every aspect. Now, many would say that China is inexperienced, new in this field, good if not betterbla bla bla. Fact is that they created something and now they should compete. I am not denying the fact that their products are good. Ofcourse the weapons are good but it is unfair to say "better than others" without any analysis.
And yes, I excluded few factors due to reasons mentioned below:
• Ground attack capability:- As a single-engine aircraft, J-10 comes in lightweight multirole category while EFT comes in mediumweight multirole category so it is obvious that EFT has more payload capacity. But in case if you want the info, Eurofighter Typhoon has payload capacity of 9000kg while J-10 has a payload capacity of 7,500-8000kg.
• Range:- Both aircrafts are capable of mid-air refuelling. In combat operations, tankers also play a significant role by extending the combat radius of the active aircraft. But in case if you want the info, J-10 in air-to-air engagement+3 drop tanks configuration, has a range upto 1,380-1,390 kms. Eurofighter Typhoon in air-to-air engagement+3 drop tanks configuration, has a range upto 1,200-1,250 kms.
•Speed:- Speed of the aircraft is not same everytime. It is affected by altitude, weight (of the aircraft) and payload. In case of fighter jets, speed is important for interceptor aircraft like Mig 21 but not multirole aircrafts which supposed to carry heavy (heavier than Interceptors) ordanance. But in case if you want the info, speed of J-10 is 2,720 km/h. Eurofighter Typhoon has a speed of 2,500 km/h.
So overall, Eurofighter is better than J-10 in almost every aspect. I agree that there isn't much data available about J-10. But we are comparing the specifications with every info available at this moment. In case if we missed something, let us know via the comments.
Thanks for Reading!
And yes, I excluded few factors due to reasons mentioned below:
• Ground attack capability:- As a single-engine aircraft, J-10 comes in lightweight multirole category while EFT comes in mediumweight multirole category so it is obvious that EFT has more payload capacity. But in case if you want the info, Eurofighter Typhoon has payload capacity of 9000kg while J-10 has a payload capacity of 7,500-8000kg.
• Range:- Both aircrafts are capable of mid-air refuelling. In combat operations, tankers also play a significant role by extending the combat radius of the active aircraft. But in case if you want the info, J-10 in air-to-air engagement+3 drop tanks configuration, has a range upto 1,380-1,390 kms. Eurofighter Typhoon in air-to-air engagement+3 drop tanks configuration, has a range upto 1,200-1,250 kms.
•Speed:- Speed of the aircraft is not same everytime. It is affected by altitude, weight (of the aircraft) and payload. In case of fighter jets, speed is important for interceptor aircraft like Mig 21 but not multirole aircrafts which supposed to carry heavy (heavier than Interceptors) ordanance. But in case if you want the info, speed of J-10 is 2,720 km/h. Eurofighter Typhoon has a speed of 2,500 km/h.
So overall, Eurofighter is better than J-10 in almost every aspect. I agree that there isn't much data available about J-10. But we are comparing the specifications with every info available at this moment. In case if we missed something, let us know via the comments.
Thanks for Reading!
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