Chengdu FC-1 Xiaolong
The Chengdu FC-1 Xiaolong, exported as the JF-17 Thunder, was developed jointly by China and Pakistan as an affordable multirole fighter. Pakistan became the main operator and has assembled aircraft locally, while several other air forces have ordered it. Its single engine, light weight, and modern radar give smaller air forces a cheaper alternative to heavier Western or Russian fighters. The programme is notable for turning a Chinese-Pakistani partnership into a real export fighter line.
Did you know?
Developed jointly by China and Pakistan, the FC-1 is exported as the JF-17 Thunder, a low-cost alternative to Western and Russian fighters.
Specifications
| Length | 14.9 m (49 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 9.5 m (31 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 1 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 12.7 t |
| Range | 1,880 NM (3,482 km) |
| Maximum speed | 1,030 kt (1,908 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 55,000 ft (16,764 m) |
| Rate of climb | 59,000 ft/min (299.7 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 500 m (1,640 ft) |
| Landing distance | 700 m (2,297 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 2,300 l |
| Engines | 1x Klimov RD-93 |
| Units built | 201 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Chengdu FC-1 Xiaolong starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Chengdu, the FC-1 Xiaolong family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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