Hongdu JL-8

The Hongdu JL -8, also known as K-8 Karakorum, is a training aircraft and light attack aircraft Hongdu Aviation Industry coroperation. It was created in collaboration with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

  • 7.1 See also
  • 7.2 Literature
  • 7.3 External links

Development

The K-8 originated in the late 1980s as a joint project between China and Pakistan. The first prototype was completed in 1989 and launched on 21 November 1990 for its first flight. Originally it was planned to produce the K-8 in parallel in both states. This plan was quickly abandoned for financial reasons and as production completely moved to China.

Construction

In the design of the K -8 was particularly given to reliability and ease of maintenance value. Their robustness and the low purchase price make them attractive for states in the Third World.

Users States

  • Egypt Egypt: 120 ( licensed production )
  • Bolivia Bolivia: 6 ( they were purchased including spare parts for 60 million U.S. dollars, were dismantled in individual parts on June 29, 2011 in Bolivia, where they are assembled by Chinese technicians )
  • People's Republic of China People's Republic of China: 170
  • Ghana Ghana: 4
  • Myanmar Myanmar: 12
  • Namibia Namibia: 4
  • Pakistan Pakistan: 40
  • Zambia Zambia: 15
  • Zimbabwe Zimbabwe: 12
  • Sri Lanka Sri Lanka: 6
  • Sudan Sudan: 12
  • Tanzania: 6
  • Venezuela Venezuela: 24

Specifications

Arming

  • A 23 -mm cannon tank under the fuselage
  • Four underwing pylons for bombs, rocket pods and guided weapons with max. 943 kg

Comparable types

Fighter-bomber Drop tank Aero L-39 Albatros BAE Systems Hawk
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