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F-5E Tiger II vs JL-8

F-5E Tiger II vs JL-8 at a glance — top speed 1,700 vs 800 km/h, range 3,723 vs 2,250 km, max takeoff weight 11,187 vs 4,330 kg, built 1,399 vs 500 units.

Northrop F-5E Tiger II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-5E Tiger II
Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8
Specifications
F-5E Tiger II JL-8
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Hongdu
First flight 11 August 1972 21 November 1990
Year introduced 1976 1994
Number produced 1399 units 500 units
Average unit price $2.1 million $4.5 million
Wing area 17.3 m² 17.0 m²
Wingspan 8.1 m 9.6 m
Height 4.1 m 4.2 m
Length 14.5 m 11.6 m
Maximum speed 1700 km/h 800 km/h
Operational range 3,723 km 2,250 km
Service ceiling 15,789 m 13,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg 4,330 kg
Empty weight 4,349 kg 2,687 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,176 kgf 1 x 1,633 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The F-5E Tiger II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 900 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The F-5E Tiger II has a longer range at 3,723 km compared to the JL-8's 2,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The F-5E Tiger II has a higher service ceiling at 15,789 meters (51,801 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The F-5E Tiger II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,187 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The F-5E Tiger II is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The JL-8 is more expensive at approximately $4.5 million per unit compared to the F-5E Tiger II at $2.1 million.
Which entered service first, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The F-5E Tiger II entered service first in 1976, 18 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5E Tiger II or JL-8?
The F-5E Tiger II has been produced in greater numbers with 1,399 units compared to 500 units of the JL-8.