JL-8/K-8/8W Karakorum
Two Venezuelan AF K-8W intermediate jet trainers were flying in close formation. The aircraft was developed jointly by Hongdu Aviation Industrial Group (Hongdu) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in the late 80s with Pakistan providing 25% of the funding. It has max TO weight of 4,468kg, max level speed 800km/h, max climb rate 30m/s, max range 2,140km and ceiling 13,600m. 6 K-8s were delivered to Pakistan in 1994. 6 more were delivered in 2003. Meanwhile the domestic JL-8 which first flew in 1996 is currently in production. They are in service at the PLAAF and PLAN flight academies (S/N 1x3x, 1x4x, 1x5x, 2x1x, 2x2x, 2x3x, 3x2x, 3x3x, 3x4x, 4x5x, 4x6x, 4x7x, 4x8x, 78x4x, 82x0x, 83x0x), replacing the obsolete JJ-5s. Some started to carry new yellow serial numbers on vertical fins in mid-2020. However due to the US embargo on Allied Signal TFE731-2A turbofan, JL-8/K-8 have been powered by Ukrainian AI-25TLK turbofans, or by a locally designed WS-11 (an AI-25TLK clone, 16.87kN thrust, onboard the domestic JL-11). The export version is generally better equipped with western components such as Martin Baker MK10L ejection seat, a glass cockpit with HUD and MFDs and is able to carry PL-5E/PL-7 AAMs and a belly 23mm gun pod for air defence role. Besides Pakistan, Myanmar purchased 12, and Sri Lanka purchased 6. Several African countries also have bought K-8s, including Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The real breakthrough came when Egypt signed a $345m deal to locally produce 80 K-8Es to replace her L-29 intermediate trainer. This has become a big boost to Hongdu's export effort in the competitive international market. The first two Egyptian K-8Es rolled out of the assembly line in late June 2001, carrying a 23mm gunpod under the fuselage and powered by an Allied Signal engine. The assembly of all 80 K-8Es was accomplished by the end of 2005. A total of 304 K-8s were sold by 2014 and they account for 70% of the global market share. Currently the improved K-8W with better electronics is still in production for various Asian, African and South American countries. Meanwhile 400 JL-8s were ordered by PLAAF and PLAN. The PLAAF Red Falcon Demonstration Team also flies JL-8s. An image released in November 2019 indicated that the naval JL-8H has been practicing carrier deck landing on land. A recent image (November 2021) indicated a new light attack variant dubbed K-8NG is under development. The PLAAF JL-8 fleet is expected to be replaced by JL-10 (see below). Another recent image (January 2023) indicated that the naval JL-8H started to wear a light gray color scheme with a PLAN flag on its fuselage plus a two-digit code number on its tail fin (S/N H47120xx, H47130xx).
List of K-8 Overseas Customers
| Country | Number | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 60 |
27 K-8Ps with glass cockpit were delivered by October 2010. Another 12 were delivered in September 2011.
|
| Myanmar |
60
|
60 K-8Ws were ordered in late 2009. The delivery of first 12 started in mid-2010. More K-8Ws were on order in 2019. 4 were commissioned in December 2021. One was shot down in November 2023.
|
| Sri Lanka |
6
|
3 lost in 2002 during guerrilla attack, 3 delivered in July 2005
|
| Zambia | 15 |
8 K-8Ps were delivered in March 2012.
|
| Namibia | 4? |
First seen in 2013.
|
| Egypt | 118 |
Locally assembled K-8Es, 40 were ordered in mid-2005. Two were lost.
|
| Zimbabwe | 12 |
1 crashed in September 2008, another crashed in April 2015
|
| Ghana | 4 |
2 K-8Ps delivered in March 2007, 2 more in March 2008
|
| Sudan | 22 |
First 6 K-8s delivered in 2007, 5 in November 2014.
|
| Venezuela | 27 |
18 K-8Ws were delivered by September 2010. One crashed in July 2010. Another in November 2012. 9 inducted in April 2016.
|
| Bolivia | 6 |
6 K-8VBs were ordered in January 2010, delivered in April 2011.
|
| Tanzania | 6? |
At least one K-8 was damaged during an aborted take-off on October 23, 2012.
|
| Bangladesh | 9 |
9 K-8Ws were ordered in late 2013. 5 delivered by April 2014. One was lost in July 2018. Additional K-8Ws were ordered in June 2018. 7 were delivered in October 2020.
|
| Angola | 12 |
12 K-8Ws were ordered, probably in 2018. All 12 were delivered by the end of 2020.
|
| Laos | 4 |
4 K-8Ws were delivered on December 27, 2023.
|
Developed by GAIC since 2001, the JL-9/JJ-9 (K/JJL9) advanced lead-in fighter trainer has evolved from the earlier JJ-7/FT-7 design (initially known as JJ-7B) from the same company. However several new features were added including a solid nose which could house a JL-10GJ X-band PD fire-control radar (range 30km), side air intakes, double delta wings (but with no leading edge flaps), integrated avionics (HUD + MFDs, RKL-206A RWR, ECM, 1553B databus, INS/GPS, JD-3A TACAN, WL-11 radio compass, air data computer). New stepped tandem cockpits and a one-piece windshield give both instructor and student better forward/downward views when compared with the old JJ-7/FT-7. The aircraft is capable of carrying PL-8B AAMs as well as a 23mm gun pod underneath the belly. However the same WP-13FC (max trust 4,400kg, 6,450kg with afterburner) is retained in order to cut cost. Its control system is mechanical rather than FBW, again in order to save cost. This suggests JL-9 could only offer a limited improvement in performance (such as all-weather capability and a better low altitude/low speed performance) compared to its predecessor. It is expected to replace JJ-7 for the training of J-7/8 pilots. However it could turn out to be insufficient for training J-10/11 pilots. Its export designation is FTC-2000 (Fighter Trainer China) which suggests the aircraft also aims at the countries who already operate FT-7s. JL-9 might face some competition from Hongdu's L-15 (see below) which is technologically more advanced thus more expensive. Its main advantage lies with the relatively faster pace of the development and a low price tag. The first prototype of JL-9 (JL90001/421) first flew on December 13, 2003, with the second prototype undergoing static test. The 03 prototype (422) first flew on April 3, 2004. Both prototypes were evaluated at CFTE between 2004-2005 and a few design problems were discovered. The first flight of an improved JL-9 took place on August 23, 2006, featuring a new stability control augmentation system (CAS) to achieve better performance, an improved cockpit environment control system and a new instrument landing system. Some specifications: normal TO weight 7,910kg, max TO weight 9,800kg, max weapon load 2,000kg, max speed 1.5M, max level speed 1,100km/hr, max load 8g, ceiling 16,000m, max climb rate 260m/s, ferry range 2,500km. JL-9 was adopted by PLAAF in May 2007 and a batch of 5 (00 batch? S/N 78x2x) were delivered to PLAAF Flight Training Base for evaluation by the end of 2008. The aircraft passed the technology certification in October 2009 and design certification in December 2011. More JL-9s are in service with PLAN (dubbed JL-9H? S/N 81x7x). Additional JL-9s started to enter the service with PLAN (S/N 83x5x) as well as PLAAF (S/N 78x2x, 4x8x, 1x3x, 3x2x, 78x4x, 2x4x) in 2014. Currently the production of JL-9 (78x2x, 1x3x, 3x2x, 1x1x, 2x4x) continues with new EL formation light strips installed on both forward fuselage and vertical fin for night training missions. It also has VLOC antennas installed on the vertical fin and a chaff/flare dispenser between the ventral fins. It was reported in September 2016 that GAIC was planning to develop the next generation advanced trainer which might compete with JL-10 LIFT. It was report from 2016 Zhuhai Airshow that a contract to export 6 FTC-2000S was signed with Sudan Air Force in early 2016. The first batch of FTC-2000S was delivered in November 2017. One was destroyed in April 2023. A recent image (June 2020) indicated that PLAAF JL-9 started to carry a new yellow serial number on its vertical fin. It is speculated that JL-9 could be replaced by the secondhand J-10S in the coming years. The latest image (December 2022)) indicated that some JL-9Hs started to carry a new 2-digit code number, a PLAN flag as well as "China Navy" characters (S/N H47310xx). - Last Updated 12/11/23
A rarely seen PLAN JL-9GA was photographed during a training mission. This dedicated trainer was developed for training Navy pilots to take off and land on the aircraft carrier deck (land-based simulation). In order to adapt to the carrier operation environment, JL-9G features some extensive modifications. They include strengthened landing gears and enlarged wings plus improved WP-13FC (III) turbojet engine. Leading edge slaps and leading edge root extensions were installed in order to reduce the take-off and landing speed at higher AOA. Consequently the twin ventral stabilizing fins were removed. It also features a taller fin offering more stability during the high AOA take-off and landing. New DSIs were installed as well which reduce the weight. JL-9G made its maiden flight in 2009 at GAIC. At least three prototypes (S/N 423, 424, 426) were tested at CFTE. The first one (#423) had a tail arresting hook installed. However the hook turned out to be causing too much stress to the airframe and therefore was unsuitable for arrested landing. Therefore JL-9G can only simulate taking-off from the ski-jump and landing without arresting under the guidance of LSO and OLS. It is expected to support the carrier based J-15 fighter as a stop-gap measure. JL-9G entered the service with PLAN (S/N 83x0x, 01 & 02 batches) in November 2013 without the tail arresting hook. Some JL-9Gs started to carry a new 2-digit code number in 2020. It was rumored in November 2016 that GAIC was working on a carrier-based version which would feature a redesigned rear fuselage with a tail hook installed. This improved version (JL-9GA?) features wingtip decelerons to better simulate low speed/high AoA landing on the carrier. Consequently the drag parachute and ventral speed brakes are no longer needed. The aircraft might have the tail hook reattached later to the bottom of its mid-fuselage. First flight of JL-9GA took place on May 12, 2020. It was rumored in September 2020 that JL-9GA performed arrested landing (on land?) successfully. A recent image (February 2021) indicated that a smaller number of JL-9GAs (02 batch? S/N 83x0x) are in service with the Naval Aviation University. The latest image (June 2024) indicated JL-9G practiced touch-and-go onboard the aircraft carrier Liaoning or Shandong. Both JL-9G and JL-9GA could be replaced by the more capable J-15S as well as JL-10J (see below) in the future.- Last Updated 6/8/24
A newly delivered Myanmar AF FTC-2000G multi-role fighter trainer was on static display in December 2024. This export version dubbed FTC-2000G (FT-9G) as a low-cost multi-purpose training/attack aircraft was first unveiled at the 2012 Zhuhai Airshow. It features an additional pair of pylons underneath the wings for short-range AAMs. It is expected to be equipped with a more powerful PD fire-control radar and able to launch SD-10A active radar homing AAM. The aircraft can also carry a variety of PGMs including GB500/GB1 LGBs, LS-6 and FT-2 GPS guided glide bombs plus an EO/laser designation pod. Other features include a new glass cockpit with three large MFDs and a bigger dorsal internal fuel tank. It was reported that the development of FTC-2000G officially started in December 2013 based on the request from an unspecified foreign customer (Myanmar?). Taxiing tests occurred on September 20, 2018. First flight took place successfully on September 28, 2018. The first flight of the 02 prototype occurred on October 29, 2019. The aircraft has been upgraded with multiple self-protection measures including AIFF in front of the windshield, MAWS aft the cockpit and on top of the vertical fin, and chaff/flare launchers underneath the rear fuselage. A recent image (July 2022) suggested that 6 FTC-2000Gs (S/N 1401-1406) were under construction for the Myanmar AF. Recent news (November 2022) indicated that all FTC-2000Gs were commissioned on November 28, 2022. Recent images (December 2023) indicated that these FTC-2000Gs flew CAS missions during the anti-insurgency war in Northern Myanmar. One (#1405) was reportedly shot down on January 16, 2024. The latest images (December 2024) indicated that 7 more FTC-2000Gs (1407-1413) were delivered to Myanmar AF, possibly in August 2024. - Last Updated 12/20/24
One of the latest batch JL-10 advanced jet trainers was performing at the 2021 Zhuhai Airshow. Developed by Hongdu and with the technical assistance from Yakovlev OKB, JL-10 (export name L-15) is expected to support the 3rd and 4th generations of Chinese fighters such as J-10, J-11 and J-20. Two variants were being developed initially. One is advanced jet trainer (AJT), powered by two Ukraine AI-222-25 turbofan engines. The other is lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT), powered by two AI-222-25F with afterburner which give L-15 a supersonic capability. Advanced features such as glass cockpit (NVG compatible), HOTAS control, and 3-axis quadruplex digital FBW are expected to be standard. In addition, large leading edge root extensions (LERX) similar to those on Yak-130 as well as a large vertical fin are expected to give the aircraft a high AOA (>30°), which will be useful in simulating certain high-AOA maneuvers of J-10 and J-11. The aircraft also features 4 underwing plus 2 wingtip pylons for a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. A small fire-control radar can be fitted based on the requirement of the customer. Therefore L-15 can also be converted into a light ground attack role if needed. Some specifications: normal TO weight 6,500kg, max TO weight 9,500kg, max speed 0.95/1.4 Mach, max climb rate 150m/s, g-load +8/-3, ceiling 13,000m, loitering time 2 hr, max range 2,600km, structural life 10,000 hr. The revealing of L-15 in its early design stage could demonstrate Hongdu's intention to compete with Guizhou's JL-9 (see above). The first prototype of L-15 (AJT version) rolled out of the assembly line on September 29, 2005. The first flight was expected by the end of 2005 but was postponed to early 2006 due to the problems of AI-222-25 engine. The 01 prototype first flew on March 13, 2006, powered by two DV-2 turbofans without afterburner. The 03 AJT prototype first flew on May 10, 2008, powered by two AI-222-25 turbofans without the afterburner. The 05 AJT prototype first flew on June 8, 2009. However the development of the LIFT version suffered from the slow progress of afterburner-equipped AI-222K-25F. The 06 LIFT prototype finally took off on October 26, 2010. It features a stretched nose housing a small PESA radar developed by the 607 Institute (range ~75km), an improved glass cockpit with three MFDs, and two AI-222K-25F turbofans capable of supersonic flight. Both 03 and 05 prototypes have been undergoing tests at CFTE (Code 432 & 433). In November 2012 it was first rumored that a prototype of a domestic AJT version called JL-10 was being built. The 10001 prototype took off from Hongdu airfield on July 1, 2013. JL-10/L-15 could eventually be powered by the domestic WS-17 turbofan engine developed by the Guizhou Aero Engine Research Institute. The engine was rumored to have been tested onboard a L-15 prototype. In early 2013 one prototype (01?) was converted into a UCAV technology demonstrator with the aft cockpit loaded with remote control and monitoring equipment. An EO turret (?) containing FLIR/Laser range finder/Laser designator was also installed underneath the forward fuselage for delivering LGBs. This technology was expected to have been applied to the Sharp Sword UCAV project at Hongdu. Both 001/#434 and 002/#435 prototypes (later #4313 for 03 Status) flew various tests at CTFE. Several foreign countries have expressed serious interest in acquiring L-15. It was reported that 6 L-15Z upgraded AFT version (Attack/Fighter/Trainer) were ordered by Zambia in 2012. The 001 aircraft flew in late 2015 and passed technical certification on December 26, 2015. The first batch of 3 was delivered in early-2016. The second batch of 3 was delivered in November 2016. These L-15Zs could carry PL-5EII AAMs, LS-6 GPS/INS bombs, a belly 23mm gun pod and be used as a light attack aircraft. As a result a small fire-control (SY-80A?) radar may have been installed. It was first reported in February 2022 that UAE AF intended to order 12 L-15s (AFT version, with IFR probe attached). In February 2023 the contract was reportedly finalized to acquire 12 L-15As for its aerobatic demonstration team. Pakistani AF also reportedly showed interest in acquiring the LIFT version (L-15B). It was reported that a L-15 powered an indigenous turbofan engine without A/B (AI-222-25 copy) flew for the first time in May 2016. A report from 2016 Zhuhai Airshow indicated that a light attack variant (L-15B) was under development. It was expected to have a LIFT configuration featuring a PESA radar and twin AI-222-25F engines with A/B. A rectangular shaped fairing similar to that of FC-1 has been attached to the tip of the vertical fin which accommodates the ECM equipment. The aircraft also has 5 blade IFF antennas installed in front of the windshield similar to the AN/APX-113(V) AIFF onboard American F-16A Block 15 MLU. The first prototype was unveiled in April 2017. With the external load of 3.5t, L-15B could be promoted by Hongdu as the successor to the retired Q-5/A-5 light attack aircraft. It was reported that L-15B conducted its maiden flight on December 21, 2017. The first batch of 6 JL-10 (JL-10I "01 Status") entered the service with PLAAF (S/N 78x3x, 2x1x) in April 2017, wearing a light blue color scheme and with no radar installed. The aircraft was seen carrying PL-5B AAMs at the wingtips and a new type of 23mm gun pod under the centerline hardpoint. It was reported in August 2018 that at least 12 JL-10Hs (?) have been in service with PLAN since November 2017 (S/N 88x0x). It was reported in January 2018 that another variant based on L-15B (L-15AW) flew for the first time, powered by two AI-222-25 engines without the A/B. This variant also features an improved glass cockpit and a holographic HUD. It was rumored in March 2018 that Hongdu is developing a carrier-based variant. A prototype might have been built by June 2019. A recent image in August 2018 suggested that an improved variant of JL-10 (JL-10II "02 Status" S/N 2x1x) upgraded with a (JL-10G/SY-80A) fire-control radar as well as a new dorsal UHF/VHF antenna is being produced for PLAAF. This variant is expected to support the J-20 stealth fighter. Another recent image (August 2019) suggested that Hongdu was developing a domestic variant of L-15AW (JL-10III "03 Status", S/N 68x3x, 1x4x, 2x1x, 62x0x) for PLAAF, some featuring a new holographic HUD. It was expected that JL-10 will eventually replace both JL-8 and JL-9. It was rumored in August 2022 that the production of JL-10 was temporarily halted due to the supply interruption of the Ukrainian AI-222-25 engine caused by the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The latest video (March 2024) suggested that the production may have resumed as the indigenous WS-17 turbofan engine gradually becomes available. It was first rumored in October 2021 that the 01 prototype of the JL-15 (?) carrier based naval trainer just conducted its maiden flight. JL-10J has been speculated to feature an enlarged dorsal air brake, strengthened nose gear with twin wheels plus a launch bar, a tail hook, a larger wing area, plus reshaped horizontal tail planes. JL-15 is expected to be stationed onboard the new CATOBAR carrier Fujian. Its land-based version could replace JL-9G/GA as well. The latest image (March 2024) indicated that a full-scale mockup was built for test onboard the aircraft carrier Fujian. The latest rumor (May 2024) suggested that an enlarged multi-role supersonic variant (dubbed JL-xx?) with stealth features including twin vertical fins and twin ventral stabilizing fins as well as CARET engine intakes could be under development at Hongdu.
- Last Updated 10/10/24
