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F-35 Lightning II vs JL-8

F-35 Lightning II vs JL-8 at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 800 km/h, range 2,800 vs 2,250 km, max takeoff weight 29,900 vs 4,330 kg, built 1,375 vs 500 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning IIFull specs
Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8Full specs
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II JL-8
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Hongdu
First flight 15 December 2006 21 November 1990
Year introduced 2011 1994
Number produced 1375 units 500 units
Average unit price $103 million $4.5 million
Wing area 43.0 m² 17.0 m²
Wingspan 10.7 m 9.6 m
Height 4.4 m 4.2 m
Length 15.7 m 11.6 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 800 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 2,250 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 13,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg 4,330 kg
Empty weight 13,290 kg 2,687 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf 1 x 1,633 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 1,160 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the JL-8's 2,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 29,900 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $103 million per unit compared to the JL-8 at $4.5 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The JL-8 entered service first in 1994, 17 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or JL-8?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 1,375 units compared to 500 units of the JL-8.