JF-17 Thunder vs Q-5 / A-5 Fantan

The JF-17 Thunder and the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by CAC / PAC and Nanchang respectively. Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the JF-17 Thunder vs 1,210 km/h for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The JF-17 Thunder has an operational range of 900 km vs 2,000 km for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The JF-17 Thunder operates at altitudes up to 16,700 m compared to 16,500 m for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The JF-17 Thunder has been produced in 144 units vs 1,300 for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. Unit cost is $30M for the JF-17 Thunder vs $1M for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan first flew 38 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1965 vs 2003).

Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the combat aircraft has seen deployment in multiple military operations since 2007.
CAC / PAC JF-17 Thunder Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer CAC / PAC
First flight 25 August 2003
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 144 units
Average unit price $30 million
Chinese ground-attack aircraft, notable for service in the Cold War period, often utilized in Pakistani and North Korean operations.
Nanchang Q-5 / A-5 Fantan Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Nanchang
First flight 4 June 1965
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 1300 units
Average unit price $1 million
Wing area 24.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.0 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 14.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h â—‰
Operational range 900 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,700 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,701 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,411 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,097 kgf â—‰
Wing area 27.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.7 m â—‰
Height 4.3 m â—‰
Length 15.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1210 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,300 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,400 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,007 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The JF-17 Thunder is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan's 1,210 km/h, a difference of 750 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 900 km.
Which can fly higher, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher service ceiling at 16,700 meters (54,790 ft) compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan's 16,500 meters (54,133 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,701 kg compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan's 11,300 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The JF-17 Thunder is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan at $1.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan entered service first in 1970, 37 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JF-17 Thunder or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan has been produced in greater numbers with 1,300 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.