GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

JL-8 vs MiG-27 Flogger

Hongdu JL-8 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JL-8
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
Change comparison vs
Specifications
JL-8 MiG-27 Flogger
Origin country 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Hongdu Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 21 November 1990 17 November 1972
Year introduced 1994 1975
Number produced 500 units 1075 units
Average unit price $10 million $5 million
Wing area 17.0 m² 37.4 m²
Wingspan 9.6 m 14.0 m
Height 4.2 m 5.0 m
Length 11.6 m 17.1 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h 1885 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km 780 km
Service ceiling 13,600 m 14,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,330 kg 20,670 kg
Empty weight 2,687 kg 11,908 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,633 kgf 1 x 11,502 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The JL-8 and the MiG-27 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Hongdu and Mikoyan-Gurevich respectively.

The MiG-27 Flogger reaches 1,885 km/h — 2.4:1 the JL-8's 800 km/h. The JL-8 has an operational range of 2,250 km vs 780 km for the MiG-27 Flogger. The MiG-27 Flogger operates at altitudes up to 14,000 m compared to 13,600 m for the JL-8. At 20,670 kg MTOW, the MiG-27 Flogger is 4.8:1 the JL-8's 4,330 kg.

The JL-8 has been produced in 500 units vs 1,075 for the MiG-27 Flogger. Unit cost is $10M for the JL-8 vs $5M for the MiG-27 Flogger. The MiG-27 Flogger first flew 18 years before the JL-8 (1972 vs 1990).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 1,885 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 1,085 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the MiG-27 Flogger's 780 km.
Which can fly higher, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 14,000 meters (45,931 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,670 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The JL-8 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the MiG-27 Flogger at $5.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger entered service first in 1975, 19 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JL-8 or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 1,075 units compared to 500 units of the JL-8.