GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

F/A-18 Hornet vs JL-8

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 Hornet
Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8
Change comparison vs
Specifications
F/A-18 Hornet JL-8
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Hongdu
First flight 18 November 1978 21 November 1990
Year introduced 1983 1994
Number produced 1480 units 500 units
Average unit price $29 million $10 million
Wing area 38.0 m² 17.0 m²
Wingspan 12.3 m 9.6 m
Height 4.7 m 4.2 m
Length 17.1 m 11.6 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 800 km/h
Operational range 2,017 km 2,250 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 13,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg 4,330 kg
Empty weight 10,433 kg 2,687 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,051 kgf 1 x 1,633 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F/A-18 Hornet and the JL-8 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Hongdu respectively.

The F/A-18 Hornet reaches 1,915 km/h — 2.4:1 the JL-8's 800 km/h. The F/A-18 Hornet has an operational range of 2,017 km vs 2,250 km for the JL-8. The F/A-18 Hornet operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 13,600 m for the JL-8. At 23,541 kg MTOW, the F/A-18 Hornet is 5.4:1 the JL-8's 4,330 kg.

The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in 1,480 units vs 500 for the JL-8. Unit cost is $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet vs $10M for the JL-8. The F/A-18 Hornet first flew 12 years before the JL-8 (1978 vs 1990).

Related Comparisons
F/A-18 Hornet vs MiG-23 Flogger F/A-18 Hornet vs F-16 Fighting Falcon F/A-18 Hornet vs Su-17 Fitter F/A-18 Hornet vs J-7 Fishcan F/A-18 Hornet vs MiG-29 Fulcrum F/A-18 Hornet vs A-7 Corsair II

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The F/A-18 Hornet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 1,115 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The F/A-18 Hornet is more expensive at approximately $29 million per unit compared to the JL-8 at $10 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 11 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or JL-8?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 500 units of the JL-8.