Hongdu JL-8
Hongdu Aviation Industry Group · People's Republic of China · first flew 1990 · fighter
The Hongdu JL-8 (export designation K-8 Karakorum) is a Chinese-Pakistani co-developed jet trainer and light attack aircraft designed to bridge the gap between propeller trainers and supersonic fighters. It has become one of China's most successful military exports.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.64 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem two-seat jet trainer and light attack aircraft
- Side-by-side intake cheeks flanking nose
- Swept mid-wing with wingtip hardpoints
The K-8 has a smooth streamlined fuselage with shoulder-mounted straight-leading-edge wings, side-by-side cheek intakes, a large bubble canopy over tandem seats, and conventional tail surfaces.
Specifications
- The Hongdu JL-8 has a length of 11.64 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.63 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 800 km/h (497 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed jointly by Hongdu and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex from the mid-1980s, the JL-8/K-8 first flew in November 1990. It entered service with both the PLAAF and Pakistan Air Force, and has since been exported to over a dozen countries. Egypt assembled the type domestically as the K-8E.
Variants
The JL-8 is the Chinese designation; the K-8 Karakorum is the export/Pakistani name. Variants differ in avionics and engine choice (AI-25TLK turbofan in most); the K-8P and K-8E are among the export sub-variants.
Where you'll see it
In service with the Chinese PLA Air Force, Pakistan Air Force, Egyptian Air Force, Zambia, Bolivia, Ghana, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, and several other nations as a primary jet trainer.
Related aircraft
- Hongdu J-12
- Grumman F-14D Super Tomcat
- Lockheed/Boeing/General Dynamics YF-22
- NAMC JL-8 (K-8 Karakorum)
- Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23
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