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F-16 Fighting Falcon vs JL-8

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16 Fighting Falcon
Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8
Change comparison vs
Specifications
F-16 Fighting Falcon JL-8
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics Hongdu
First flight 2 February 1974 21 November 1990
Year introduced 1979 1994
Number produced 4604 units 500 units
Average unit price $75 million $10 million
Wing area 27.9 m² 17.0 m²
Wingspan 10.0 m 9.6 m
Height 4.9 m 4.2 m
Length 15.1 m 11.6 m
Maximum speed 2410 km/h 800 km/h
Operational range 546 km 2,250 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m 13,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg 4,330 kg
Empty weight 8,570 kg 2,687 kg
Total thrust 1 x 13,381 kgf 1 x 1,633 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the JL-8 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by General Dynamics and Hongdu respectively.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon reaches 2,410 km/h — 3.0:1 the JL-8's 800 km/h. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has an operational range of 546 km vs 2,250 km for the JL-8. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 13,600 m for the JL-8. At 19,200 kg MTOW, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is 4.4:1 the JL-8's 4,330 kg.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in 4,604 units vs 500 for the JL-8. Unit cost is $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs $10M for the JL-8. The F-16 Fighting Falcon first flew 16 years before the JL-8 (1974 vs 1990).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 1,610 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the JL-8 at $10 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service first in 1979, 15 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JL-8?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 500 units of the JL-8.