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Alpha Jet vs JL-8

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷 Alpha Jet
Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Alpha Jet JL-8
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault/Dornier Hongdu
First flight 26 October 1973 21 November 1990
Year introduced 1978 1994
Number produced 480 units 500 units
Average unit price $8 million $10 million
Wing area 17.5 m² 17.0 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 9.6 m
Height 4.2 m 4.2 m
Length 13.2 m 11.6 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h 800 km/h
Operational range 2,940 km 2,250 km
Service ceiling 14,630 m 13,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,500 kg 4,330 kg
Empty weight 3,515 kg 2,687 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,700 kgf 1 x 1,633 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Alpha Jet and the JL-8 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Dassault/Dornier and Hongdu respectively.

Top speed is 1,000 km/h for the Alpha Jet vs 800 km/h for the JL-8. The Alpha Jet has an operational range of 2,940 km vs 2,250 km for the JL-8. The Alpha Jet operates at altitudes up to 14,630 m compared to 13,600 m for the JL-8.

The Alpha Jet has been produced in 480 units vs 500 for the JL-8. Unit cost is $8M for the Alpha Jet vs $10M for the JL-8. The Alpha Jet first flew 17 years before the JL-8 (1973 vs 1990).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The Alpha Jet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 200 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The Alpha Jet has a longer range at 2,940 km compared to the JL-8's 2,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The Alpha Jet has a higher service ceiling at 14,630 meters (47,998 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The Alpha Jet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 7,500 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The Alpha Jet is longer at 13.2 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The JL-8 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the Alpha Jet at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The Alpha Jet entered service first in 1978, 16 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alpha Jet or JL-8?
The JL-8 has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 480 units of the Alpha Jet.