F-16 Fighting Falcon vs J-10 Vigorous Dragon

American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
Picture of F-16 Fighting Falcon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics
First flight 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1979
Number produced 4604 units
Average unit price $75 million
Chinese multirole fighter jet, active in the 21st century, used extensively by the PLA Air Force and Navy.
Picture of J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Chengdu
First flight 23 March 1998
Year introduced 2005
Number produced 602 units
Average unit price $45 million
Wing area 27.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.0 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 15.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2410 km/h â—‰
Operational range 546 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,288 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 8,570 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Wing area 39.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.7 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 15.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2400 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,850 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 19,278 kg â—‰
Empty weight 9,750 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 7,670 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 2,400 km/h, a difference of 10 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,278 kg compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 19,200 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon is longer at 15.5 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service first in 1979, 26 years before the J-10 Vigorous Dragon which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 602 units of the J-10 Vigorous Dragon.