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JL-8 vs L-159 ALCA

JL-8 vs L-159 ALCA at a glance — top speed 800 vs 936 km/h, range 2,250 vs 1,570 km, max takeoff weight 4,330 vs 8,000 kg, built 500 vs 72 units.

Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8Full specs
Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCAFull specs
Specifications
JL-8 L-159 ALCA
Origin country 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Combat Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Hongdu Aero
First flight 21 November 1990 2 August 1997
Year introduced 1994 2000
Number produced 500 units 72 units
Average unit price $4.5 million $9 million
Wing area 17.0 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 9.6 m 9.5 m
Height 4.2 m 4.9 m
Length 11.6 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h 936 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km 1,570 km
Service ceiling 13,600 m 13,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,330 kg 8,000 kg
Empty weight 2,687 kg 4,350 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,633 kgf 1 x 2,871 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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L-159 ALCA side profile drawing L-159 ALCA Specs, operators & history →
Largest operators · in service
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is faster with a maximum speed of 936 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 136 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the L-159 ALCA's 1,570 km.
Which can fly higher, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The JL-8 has a higher service ceiling at 13,600 meters (44,619 ft) compared to the L-159 ALCA's 13,200 meters (43,307 ft).
Which is heavier, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,000 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is longer at 12.7 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the JL-8 at $4.5 million.
Which entered service first, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The JL-8 entered service first in 1994, 6 years before the L-159 ALCA which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JL-8 or L-159 ALCA?
The JL-8 has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.