F-4 Phantom II vs JL-8

The F-4 Phantom II and the JL-8 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell and Hongdu respectively. The F-4 Phantom II reaches 2,370 km/h — 3.0x the JL-8's 800 km/h. The F-4 Phantom II has an operational range of 680 km vs 2,250 km for the JL-8. The F-4 Phantom II operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 13,600 m for the JL-8. At 28,030 kg MTOW, the F-4 Phantom II is 6.5x the JL-8's 4,330 kg. The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in 5,195 units vs 500 for the JL-8. Unit cost is $3M for the F-4 Phantom II vs $10M for the JL-8. The F-4 Phantom II first flew 32 years before the JL-8 (1958 vs 1990).

American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 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 49.2 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 5.0 m
Length 19.0 m
Maximum speed 2370 km/h
Operational range 680 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg
Empty weight 13,757 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,093 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 F-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 1,570 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The F-4 Phantom II 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-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the F-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The JL-8 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the F-4 Phantom II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 32 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-4 Phantom II or JL-8?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 500 units of the JL-8.