Trumpeter – 01698 – Chinese J-10C Fighter

Description:

The Chengdu J-10C is a highly advanced multirole fighter jet developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It is the most modern and capable variant of the J-10 family, representing the third major evolution of China’s first indigenous fourth-generation fighter. The J-10C made its public debut around 2017, although it had been undergoing testing and limited deployment prior to that.

Building on the design of earlier J-10A and J-10B models, the J-10C incorporates a number of significant improvements. One of the most important upgrades is the addition of a modern AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, which greatly improves its ability to detect, track, and engage targets at long range. It is also equipped with a digital fly-by-wire control system, an advanced glass cockpit, and integrated avionics systems comparable to those of other contemporary fighters like the F-16V or Rafale.

Another key enhancement is its compatibility with modern Chinese air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including the PL-15 beyond-visual-range missile and the PL-10 short-range infrared missile. The J-10C is also believed to have limited stealth features, such as a reduced radar cross-section and possibly radar-absorbent materials, though it is not a stealth fighter in the same category as the J-20.

The aircraft is powered by either a Russian AL-31FN turbofan engine or, more recently, the domestically developed WS-10B, both providing high thrust-to-weight ratios and enabling supermaneuverable performance. The delta wing–canard configuration gives the J-10C excellent agility in close-range dogfights, while its multirole systems allow it to perform precision strike missions as well.

The J-10C has become a cornerstone of China’s frontline tactical air power and has been exported to at least one foreign customer, Pakistan, which began receiving aircraft in 2022. With its combination of modern sensors, weapons, and aerodynamics, the J-10C reflects China’s rapid advancement in military aerospace capabilities and serves as a powerful symbol of its growing defense industry independence.

Kit consists of over 150 parts and include PE (photo-etched) detail parts. Decal sheet include 3 markings and an interesting amount of technical stencils. Kit provide an interesting weapons payload to include PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles, K/RKL-700A electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod, K/PTZ1A pod and external fuel tanks.