CAC FC-1 Xiaolong (JF-17 Thunder)
Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group · China · first flew 2003 · fighter
The FC-1 Xiaolong, marketed for export as the JF-17 Thunder, is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter jointly developed by China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Single ventral fin under rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Cropped-delta wing with large LERX root extensions
- Single ventral fin under rear fuselage
- Chin-mounted twin-position air intakes
Look for the blended cropped-delta wing with prominent leading-edge root extensions, a single ventral fin, and a solid-nose radome above chin-side rectangular intakes.
Specifications
- The CAC FC-1 Xiaolong (JF-17 Thunder) has a length of 14.93 m (49 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.45 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1960 km/h (1218 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development grew out of the earlier Super-7 concept intended to modernise the ageing MiG-21 lineage. The first prototype flew in August 2003, and the design matured through Block 1, Block 2 and Block 3 standards, the latter introducing an AESA radar and modern datalinks.
Variants
Principal versions include the baseline Block 1, the air-to-air refuelling capable Block 2, and the advanced Block 3 with an active electronically scanned array radar. A twin-seat JF-17B trainer and combat variant was added for conversion and strike duties.
Where you'll see it
The type equips the Pakistan Air Force as a mainstay fighter and has been exported to Myanmar, Nigeria and Iraq. It has no UK service; British interest is limited to its role as a case study in low-cost fighter development and as an export competitor in markets the RAF's partners also address.
Related aircraft
- CAIG Wing Loong II
- BAE Systems Harrier GR.9
- British Aerospace Harrier II GR.9
- GAIC FTC-2000 Shanying
- HAL HJT-36 Sitara
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