Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 vs Yakovlev Yak-130
Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 and Yakovlev Yak-130 are both trainer & light attack, compared here on public specifications. The Yakovlev Yak-130 leads on weapons payload (3,000 vs 950 kg). Several China and Russia-origin figures here are manufacturer or state claims with limited independent verification, so treat this comparison as directional.
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8
Wins 3/8 |  Yakovlev Yak-130
Wins 5/8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 800 km/h | 1,060 km/h ✓ |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | 650 km/h | N/A |
| Range (km) | 1,560 km | 2,100 km ✓ |
| Service ceiling (m) | 13,000 m ✓ | 12,500 m |
| Thrust-to-weight | N/A | 0.65 |
| Firepower | ||
| Hardpoints | 5 | 9 ✓ |
| Weapons payload (kg) | 950 kg | 3,000 kg ✓ |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 11.6 m | 11.49 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 2,687 kg | 4,600 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 4,330 kg | 7,230 kg |
| Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Propulsion | ||
| Thrust (kN) | 17 kN | 25 kN ✓ |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $8,500,000 ✓ | $15,000,000 |
| Units built | 500 ✓ | 150 |
| Operator countries | 10 | 10 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 and Yakovlev Yak-130? +
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 1,060 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Yakovlev Yak-130 has the longest range at 2,100 km.
Which carries the larger weapons payload? +
The Yakovlev Yak-130 carries the largest weapons payload at 3,000 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 Yakovlev Yak-130 has the higher hardpoints at 9.
Which has the higher service ceiling? +
The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 has the higher service ceiling at 13,000 m.
Is the Hongdu Aviation Industry Group JL-8 better than the Yakovlev Yak-130? +
On the public specs we track, the Yakovlev Yak-130 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.
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