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F-35 Lightning II vs J-10 Vigorous Dragon

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II and the J-10 Vigorous Dragon are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Chengdu respectively.

Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II vs 2,400 km/h for the J-10 Vigorous Dragon. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 1,850 km for the J-10 Vigorous Dragon. The J-10 Vigorous Dragon operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the F-35 Lightning II.

The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 602 for the J-10 Vigorous Dragon. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $45M for the J-10 Vigorous Dragon. The J-10 Vigorous Dragon first flew 8 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1998 vs 2006).

F-35 Lightning II

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 965 units
Average unit price $85 million
→ View full F-35 Lightning II details

J-10 Vigorous Dragon

Chinese multirole fighter jet, active in the 21st century, used extensively by the PLA Air Force and Navy.
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon combat aircraft side profile drawing
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
→ View full J-10 Vigorous Dragon details

F-35 Lightning II

Wing area 43.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.0 m ◉
Height 4.4 m ◉
Length 15.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 1960 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,800 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg ◉
Empty weight 14,651 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf ◉

J-10 Vigorous Dragon

Wing area 39.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.7 m ◉
Height 4.8 m ◉
Length 15.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 2400 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,850 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 19,278 kg ◉
Empty weight 9,750 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 7,670 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 440 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 1,850 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 19,278 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon entered service first in 2005, 8 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 602 units of the J-10 Vigorous Dragon.

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