JL-9 vs T-38 Talon

Chinese advanced trainer jet, operational since the 2000s, extensively used for fighter-bomber training by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
Picture of JL-9
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Guizhou
First flight 13 December 2003
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 13 units
Average unit price $-- million
American supersonic jet trainer, active during the Cold War, deployed extensively for NASA astronaut training missions.
Picture of T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 10 March 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1189 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 24.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.3 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 14.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 863 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 9,800 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,800 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,497 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Guizhou JL-9
Wing area 16.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m â—‰
Height 3.9 m â—‰
Length 14.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1381 km/h
Operational range 1,835 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,266 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,216 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Northrop T-38 Talon

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of JL-9 by Alert5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JL-9 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the JL-9's 0 km/h, a difference of 1,381 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JL-9 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the JL-9's 863 km.
Which can fly higher, the JL-9 or T-38 Talon?
The JL-9 has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the T-38 Talon's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the JL-9 or T-38 Talon?
The JL-9 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 9,800 kg compared to the T-38 Talon's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the JL-9 or T-38 Talon?
The JL-9 is longer at 14.6 meters compared to the T-38 Talon's 14.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the JL-9 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 52 years before the JL-9 which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JL-9 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 13 units of the JL-9.