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JL-8 vs L-39 Albatros

JL-8 vs L-39 Albatros at a glance — top speed 800 vs 750 km/h, range 2,250 vs 1,100 km, max takeoff weight 4,330 vs 4,700 kg, built 500 vs 2,900 units.

Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8Full specs
Aero L-39 Albatros military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-39 AlbatrosFull specs
Specifications
JL-8 L-39 Albatros
Origin country 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Combat Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Hongdu Aero
First flight 21 November 1990 4 November 1968
Year introduced 1994 1972
Number produced 500 units 2900 units
Average unit price $4.5 million $1 million
Wing area 17.0 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 9.6 m 9.5 m
Height 4.2 m 4.8 m
Length 11.6 m 12.1 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h 750 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km 1,100 km
Service ceiling 13,600 m 11,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,330 kg 4,700 kg
Empty weight 2,687 kg 3,459 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,633 kgf 1 x 1,720 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The JL-8 is faster with a maximum speed of 800 km/h compared to the L-39 Albatros's 750 km/h, a difference of 50 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the L-39 Albatros's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The JL-8 has a higher service ceiling at 13,600 meters (44,619 ft) compared to the L-39 Albatros's 11,500 meters (37,729 ft).
Which is heavier, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,700 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is longer at 12.1 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The JL-8 is more expensive at approximately $4.5 million per unit compared to the L-39 Albatros at $1.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros entered service first in 1972, 22 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JL-8 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 500 units of the JL-8.