Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano vs Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8
Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 are both trainer & light attack, compared here on public specifications. The Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano leads on weapons payload (1,550 vs 950 kg). Several China-origin figures here are manufacturer or state claims with limited independent verification, so treat this comparison as directional.
Compare systems side by side
Search above to add up to five systems. You’ll get a per-spec winner, relative bars, a normalized spec profile and an honest verdict, every number from public sources.
Building a fleet? Try the Force Builder →
Full data
Full spec sheet
 Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano
Wins 2/7 |  Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8
Wins 5/7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 590 km/h | 800 km/h ✓ |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | N/A | 650 km/h |
| Range (km) | 1,330 km | 1,560 km ✓ |
| Service ceiling (m) | 10,668 m | 13,000 m ✓ |
| Firepower | ||
| Hardpoints | 5 | 5 |
| Weapons payload (kg) | 1,550 kg ✓ | 950 kg |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 11.38 m | 11.6 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 3,020 kg | 2,687 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 5,400 kg | 4,330 kg |
| Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Propulsion | ||
| Engine power (hp) | 1,600 hp | N/A |
| Thrust (kN) | N/A | 17 kN |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $10,000,000 | $8,500,000 ✓ |
| Units built | 260 | 500 ✓ |
| Operator countries | 15 ✓ | 10 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano and Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8? +
The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 800 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 has the longest range at 1,560 km.
Which carries the larger weapons payload? +
The Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano carries the largest weapons payload at 1,550 kg.
Which is cheaper? +
The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 has the lower public unit-cost figure at 8,500,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher hardpoints? +
The Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano has the higher hardpoints at 5.
Which has the higher service ceiling? +
The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 has the higher service ceiling at 13,000 m.
Is the Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano better than the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8? +
On the public specs we track, the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 leads on 4 of 6 headline metrics, see the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
Keep exploring
