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JF-17 Thunder vs JL-8

CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JF-17 Thunder
Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8
Change comparison vs
Specifications
JF-17 Thunder JL-8
Origin country 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer CAC/PAC Hongdu
First flight 25 August 2003 21 November 1990
Year introduced 2007 1994
Number produced 144 units 500 units
Average unit price $30 million $10 million
Wing area 24.4 m² 17.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m 9.6 m
Height 4.8 m 4.2 m
Length 14.0 m 11.6 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 800 km/h
Operational range 900 km 2,250 km
Service ceiling 16,700 m 13,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,701 kg 4,330 kg
Empty weight 6,411 kg 2,687 kg
Total thrust 1 x 5,097 kgf 1 x 1,633 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The JF-17 Thunder and the JL-8 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by CAC/PAC and Hongdu respectively.

The JF-17 Thunder reaches 1,960 km/h — 2.5x the JL-8's 800 km/h. The JF-17 Thunder has an operational range of 900 km vs 2,250 km for the JL-8. The JF-17 Thunder operates at altitudes up to 16,700 m compared to 13,600 m for the JL-8. At 12,701 kg MTOW, the JF-17 Thunder is 2.9x the JL-8's 4,330 kg.

The JF-17 Thunder has been produced in 144 units vs 500 for the JL-8. Unit cost is $30M for the JF-17 Thunder vs $10M for the JL-8. The JL-8 first flew 13 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1990 vs 2003).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JF-17 Thunder 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 JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 900 km.
Which can fly higher, the JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher service ceiling at 16,700 meters (54,790 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,701 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JF-17 Thunder is longer at 14.0 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JF-17 Thunder is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the JL-8 at $10 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JL-8 entered service first in 1994, 13 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JF-17 Thunder or JL-8?
The JL-8 has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.