JL-8 vs SO 4050 Vautour

Overview

The JL-8 and the SO 4050 Vautour are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Hongdu and Sud Aviation respectively.

Top speed is 800 km/h for the JL-8 vs 1,106 km/h for the SO 4050 Vautour. The JL-8 has an operational range of 2,250 km vs 1,200 km for the SO 4050 Vautour. The SO 4050 Vautour operates at altitudes up to 15,200 m compared to 13,600 m for the JL-8. At 21,000 kg MTOW, the SO 4050 Vautour is 4.8x the JL-8's 4,330 kg.

The JL-8 has been produced in 500 units vs 149 for the SO 4050 Vautour. Unit cost is $10M for the JL-8 vs $2M for the SO 4050 Vautour. The SO 4050 Vautour first flew 38 years before the JL-8 (1952 vs 1990).

Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.
Hongdu JL-8 Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Hongdu
First flight 21 November 1990
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 500 units
Average unit price $10 million
French jet-powered multirole aircraft, developed in the 1950s, utilized in combat operations during the Six-Day War by Israel.
Sud Aviation SO 4050 Vautour Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sud Aviation
First flight 16 October 1952
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 149 units
Average unit price $2 million
Wing area 17.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.6 m â—‰
Height 4.2 m â—‰
Length 11.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 800 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,250 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,330 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,687 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 1,633 kgf â—‰
Wing area 45.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.1 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 15.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1106 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,200 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,200 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 21,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,700 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour is faster with a maximum speed of 1,106 km/h compared to the JL-8's 800 km/h, a difference of 306 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The JL-8 has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the SO 4050 Vautour's 1,200 km.
Which can fly higher, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour has a higher service ceiling at 15,200 meters (49,868 ft) compared to the JL-8's 13,600 meters (44,619 ft).
Which is heavier, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 21,000 kg compared to the JL-8's 4,330 kg.
Which is larger, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the JL-8's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The JL-8 is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the SO 4050 Vautour at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour entered service first in 1956, 38 years before the JL-8 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JL-8 or SO 4050 Vautour?
The JL-8 has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 149 units of the SO 4050 Vautour.