Alphajet vs JL-8

French-German trainer jet, known for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pilot training, used particularly from late 1970s onward.
Dassault-Bréguet/Dornier Alphajet Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault-Bréguet/Dornier
First flight 26 October 1973
Year introduced 1978
Number produced 480 units
Average unit price $8 million
Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.
Hongdu JL-8 Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Hongdu
First flight 21 November 1990
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 500 units
Average unit price $10 million
Wing area 17.5 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m
Height 4.2 m
Length 13.2 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h
Operational range 1,095 km
Service ceiling 14,630 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,500 kg
Empty weight 3,515 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,700 kgf
Wing area 17.0 m²
Wingspan 9.6 m
Height 4.2 m
Length 11.6 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km
Service ceiling 13,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,330 kg
Empty weight 2,687 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,633 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The Alphajet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 200 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the Alphajet's 1,095 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The Alphajet has a higher service ceiling at 14,630 meters (47,998 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The Alphajet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 7,500 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The Alphajet is longer at 13.2 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The JL-8 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the Alphajet at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The Alphajet entered service first in 1978, 16 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alphajet or JL-8?
The JL-8 has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 480 units of the Alphajet.