The shape of the aircraft refers to the Russian Su-30MKK multipurpose fighter. The j-16 is equipped with active electronically scanned phased array radar (AESA), which can identify and attack multiple targets at the same time. It has long-range over the horizon air combat capability and strong ground and sea attack capability. Compared with JH-7, jh-16 has a larger body with a maximum payload of 12 tons. It can launch thunderbolt-10, thunderbolt-15 air-to-air missiles, Eagle strike-83, Eagle strike-91, air to ground-88 and other air-to-air missiles. The aircraft is equipped with Chinese made turbofan-10 "Taihang" engine, and its performance is equivalent to that of the latest f-15ex multipurpose fighter in the United States.