The legendary J-10 fighter jet, often nicknamed the "Vigorous Dragon," has been pushing the boundaries of aircraft design for over 40 years. A veteran former designer, Xie Pin, recently stepped forward to decode some of the secrets behind this iconic Chinese-made jet, offering insights that blend classic engineering with modern tech upgrades. ✈️
Working at an aircraft hangar in Chengdu City within the Chinese mainland, Xie Pin explained the magic behind the jet's unique design. One standout feature is its canard wing – a smaller wing near the nose of the jet that, when interacting with the main wing, creates a vortex. In simple terms, this vortex acts like a turbo boost for the jet by speeding up airflow and increasing lift. 🚀
But the innovations don’t stop there. The J-10 fighter jet has received continuous upgrades over the years. Its cockpit now sports a special coating to reduce radar detection, and its cleverly designed "clamshell" intake minimizes drag while keeping the jet light. With advanced radar technology, this fighter can detect targets up to 200 kilometers away – a vast improvement over earlier models such as the J-7 and J-8.
Equipped with 11 external hardpoints for carrying weapons, pods, and long-range missiles, the J-10 remains a formidable force in the sky. For young tech enthusiasts and early professionals across South and Southeast Asia, this story of innovation resonates deeply. It’s a prime example of how steady evolution and smart design can turn a decades-old platform into a modern marvel.
Stay curious and keep exploring the tech behind the trends – because sometimes, the secrets to tomorrow’s breakthroughs have roots that go back over 40 years! 💡
Reference(s):
Former designer decodes secrets of China's J-10 fighter jet series
cgtn.com
