View source for Hongdu JL-8

{{Short description|Chinese/Pakistani jet trainer aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = JL-8/K-8
| image = File:Bangladesh Air Force K-8 (cropped).jpg
| caption = K-8 of the [[Bangladesh Air Force]]
| type = [[Trainer aircraft|Jet trainer]]<br />Light attack
| manufacturer = [[Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation]]<br />[[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex]]
| national_origin = [[China]]<br />[[Pakistan]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 21 November 1990
| introduction = 21 September 1994
| retired = 
| produced = 1990–present
| number_built = 500+<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp K-8 (JL-8, L-11) Basic Jet Trainer - SinoDefence.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028021126/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp |date=28 October 2012 }}</ref>
| status = Operational
| primary_user = [[PLA Air Force]] <!-- List only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add flag templates, as they limit horizontal space. -->
| more_users = [[Pakistan Air Force]] <br /> [[Egyptian Air Force]] <br /> [[Myanmar Air Force]] <br /> [[Bangladesh Air Force]]<!-- Limited to ONE (1) "more user" here (5 total users). -->
| developed_from = 
| variants = 
}}

The '''Hongdu JL-8''' ('''Nanchang JL-8'''), also known as the '''Karakorum-8''' or '''K-8''' for short, is a two-seat intermediate jet [[Trainer aircraft|trainer]] and light attack aircraft designed by [[Hongdu|China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation]] and [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex]]. The primary contractor is the [[Hongdu|Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation]].

==Development==
The JL-8 trainer was proposed as a joint cooperation effort between the governments of [[Pakistan]] and the People's Republic of China in 1986. The name was changed on the suggestion of Pakistan's President [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia ul Haq]] to [[Karakoram]]-8 to represent the friendship between the two countries. Work on the design started in 1987 at Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company (NAMC) at Nanchang, Jiangshi Province in South Central China. The Chinese chief designer of the aircraft was [[Shi Ping (aircraft designer)|Shi Ping]] ({{lang|zh|石屏}}), heading a team of over 100 Chinese Engineers, while Air Cdr Muhammad Younas Tbt (M), SI(M) was the chief designer from the Pakistani side leading a team of over 20 Pakistani engineers.

Initially, the aircraft was to have used many parts manufactured in the United States, including the [[Garrett TFE731]] engine and several cockpit displays, and communication and avionics systems, but due to political developments and an embargo from the US at the end of the 1980s following the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989]], other suppliers had to be used. The first [[prototype]] was built in 1989, with the first flight taking place on 21 November 1990, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Col Yang Yao ({{lang|zh-Hans|杨耀}}). Flight testing continued from 1991 to 1993 by a Flight Test Team consisting of four Chinese and two Pakistani pilots.

After four prototypes were built, production of a small batch of 24 aircraft was launched in 1992. The Chinese share out of these was 18, while the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) received six K-8s in 1994. In 1995, the PAF decided to order 75 more K-8s to gradually replace its fleet of [[Cessna T-37 Tweet]] basic trainers. In 2010, the number of K-8 aircraft in the PAF inventory was estimated to be around 40. The [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]] (PLAAF) received its first six JL-8 trainers in 1995 following additional upgrades. The Chinese model uses a Chinese-manufactured version of the Ukrainian Ivchenko AI-25 (DV-2) engine, designated WS-11. The PLAAF is anticipated to continue adding the JL-8 trainer to its fleet to replace its obsolete trainers, such as the [[Shenyang J-5|Chengdu JJ-5]]. In 2008, the number of JL-8s in PLAAF inventory was estimated to be over 120 aircraft.

Other countries have shown interest in the trainer, and it now also serves in the air forces of Egypt, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. While the type primarily serves as a basic and advanced trainer, it can also be used in the [[close air support]] or even air combat role when appropriately armed.

The export-variant K-8 Karakorum Basic Common Advanced Jet Trainer is co-produced by [[China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation]] (CATIC) for export markets other than Pakistan, while later aircraft for Pakistan have been built by the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory (AMF), [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex]]. The latest export variant is the K-8P version, which is operated by the PAF. The K-8P has an advanced avionics package of integrated head-up display (HUD), multi-function displays (MFDs) and comes equipped with MFD-integrated GPS and ILS/TACAN systems. It also has [[hardpoint]]s for carrying a variety of training and operational bombs up to 250&nbsp;kg, pod-mounted 23&nbsp;mm cannon, and PL-5 / 7 /AIM-9 P launchers. In September 2011, NAMC produced another 12 K-8Ps for an undisclosed foreign client.<ref name="AirForceWorld.com_K8P_trainer_jet">{{cite web |url=http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/k-8-jl-11-trainer-china.htm |title=K-8P trainer jet exportation |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=5 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303184532/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/k-8-jl-11-trainer-china.htm |archive-date=3 March 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In 2008 Venezuela announced the purchase of 18 K-8 aircraft. The K-8 has been marketed by China to the air forces of the Philippines {{Citation needed|date=February 2019}}, and to Indonesia, as a replacement for Indonesia's [[BAE Hawk]] jet trainers.<ref>ANGKASA No.07 Edisi April 2007 (page 14-15)</ref> In 2009, the Bolivian government approved a deal to purchase 6 K-8P aircraft for use in anti-drug operations.<ref>[http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/bolivia-buys-six-pakistan-made-aircraft-05-sal-01 DAWN.com | Bolivia buys six Pakistan-made aircraft] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329113615/http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/bolivia-buys-six-pakistan-made-aircraft-05-sal-01 |date=29 March 2010 }}</ref> In 2010 the total number of K-8 aircraft produced in all variants was estimated to be more than 500, with a continual production rate of approximately 24 aircraft per year.

==Design==
[[File:K8 Fuerza Aerea de Bolivia.jpg|thumb|right|A K-8 of the [[Bolivian Air Force]].]]

The JL-8 / K-8 has a [[multi-role aircraft|multi-role]] capability for training and, with little modification, can also be used for airfield defense. The aircraft is supposed to be as cost-effective as possible, with a short turn-around time and low maintenance requirements. The JL-8 for the domestic Chinese market and its export variants, K-8E and K-8P, have different powerplants and avionics.

===Airframe and flight control system===
A low-wing [[monoplane]] design primarily constructed of aluminum alloys, the JL-8 / K-8 [[airframe]] structure is designed for an 8,000 flight hour service life.

The [[landing gear]] is of tricycle configuration, with hydraulically operated wheel brakes and nose-wheel steering.

The [[flight control system]] operates a set of conventional [[flight control surfaces]] with a rigid push-rod transmission system, which itself is electrically or hydraulically operated. The [[aileron]] control system, of irreversible servo-control type, is composed of a hydraulic booster, an artificial-feel device, a feel trim actuator and a rigid push-rod transmission mechanism. The [[Elevator (aircraft)|elevator]] and [[rudder]] control systems are of reversible push-rod type.

===Cockpit and avionics===
The JL-8 / K-8 cockpit arrangement is designed to be as close to that of a [[combat aircraft]] as possible. A transparent plastic canopy covering both cockpits, which are arranged in a tandem seating position, is supposed to give a good all-round field of view.

A [[Rockwell Collins]] [[Electronic Flight Instrument System]] (EFIS) is fitted, with [[multi-function display]]s (MFDs) in the front and rear cockpits showing information to the pilots. The emergency cockpit escape system is made up of two [[Martin-Baker]] MK-10L rocket-assisted [[ejection seat]]s which are zero-zero capable, meaning they can be used safely at zero altitude and zero speed. Although JL-8 is designed to have limited capability to deliver air-to-ground weapons, the first rocket attack practice was only completed in May 2011.<ref name="AirForceWorld.com_JL8_rocket_launch">{{cite web |url=http://airforceworld.com/pla/english/k-8-JL-8-JL-11-trainer-china-pakistan.html |title=AirForceWorld.com JL8 Trainer Jet rocket practice |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=3 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209004512/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/k-8-JL-8-JL-11-trainer-china-pakistan.html |archive-date=9 February 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

[[Ultra high frequency]] (UHF) and [[very high frequency]] (VHF) radio communication systems are present, along with a [[Tactical Air Navigation]] (TACAN) and [[radio direction finder|automatic direction finder]] (ADF). An [[instrument landing system]] (ILS) is also available. These systems can be tailored to meet the requirements of the customer.

A strap-on [[Environmental control system]] (ECS) from [[AlliedSignal]] provides [[air conditioning]] to the cockpit. It is capable of operating when the aircraft is on the ground, under [[ambient temperature]]s of -40 to +52&nbsp;°C, as well as in the air.

===Propulsion and fuel system===
The JL-8, for the Chinese domestic market, was originally powered by the Ukrainian [[Ivchenko-Progress AI-25]]TLK [[turbofan]] jet engine with 16.9&nbsp;kN of thrust, but this has been replaced by the WS-11, the Chinese-manufactured version of the AI-25TLK. Export variants (K-8P, K-8E) use the lower-thrust (15.6&nbsp;kN) [[Honeywell TFE731]]-2A-2A modular turbofan, which has digital electronic engine control (DEEC), provided the US government approves sale of the engine to the customer.

A hydro-mechanical fuel control system delivers fuel to the engine. The aircraft's fuel system consists of the fuel tanks and the fuel supply/transfer, vent/pressurization, fuel quantity measuring/indicating, fuel refueling and fuel drain subsystems. The total fuel is contained in two [[fuselage]] bladder-type rubber tanks and a wing integral tank of 1720&nbsp;lb. The capacity of each drop tank is 250 litres.

==Operational history==
The K-8 took part in its first aerial display in 1993 at the Singapore Air Show and since then has participated at Air Shows at numerous places including Dubai, Paris, Farnborough, Bangkok, Zhuhai etc. It was shown to the Pakistani public for the first time on 23 March 1994 at the [[Pakistan Day Parade]]. It became part of the [[Sherdils]] (Lion Hearts) aerobatics team of the Pakistan Air Force in 2009 and carried out its first public display on 6 April 2010. K-8 replaced the team's previous T-37 Tweet aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pakistantimes.net/pt/detail.php?newsId=10060 |title=PAF's High Mark exercise enters second phase |date=7 April 2010 |work=Pakistan Times|access-date=7 April 2010 |location=PAF Bombing Range, Thal, Pakistan |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614061238/http://pakistantimes.net/pt/detail.php?newsId=10060 |archive-date=14 June 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onepakistan.com/news/feed/top-stories/39539-PAFs-firepower-demo-marks-precise-hit-enemy-targets.txt|title=PAF's firepower demo marks precise hit at enemy targets|date=7 April 2010|publisher=OnePakistan.com|access-date=7 April 2010|location=Thal, Pakistan}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> In May 25, 2024, the PLAAF {{Ill|Shijiazhuang Flying College|zh|中国人民解放军空军石家庄飞行学院}} finished their last training lessons with the JL-8, ending the Shijiazhuang Flying College's use of the JL-8.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-25 |editor-last=Lin |editor-first=Congyi |title=Last batch of pilot cadets trained with JL-8 wind up training sessions |url=http://eng.mod.gov.cn/xb/News_213114/Videos/16311192.html |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Ministry of National Defense}}</ref>

===Myanmar===
In late December 2012 and early January 2013, during the [[Kachin conflict]], K-8s of the [[Myanmar Air Force]] were used to strike [[Kachin Independence Army]] positions in the north of the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noHKKbV_jpk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/noHKKbV_jpk |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Myanmar jets used against Kachin rebels (raw footage)|date=3 January 2013|work=YouTube|access-date=4 February 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/01/20131108109573277.html|title=Myanmar airstrikes reopen ethnic wounds|author=Bertil Lintner|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215063538/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/01/20131108109573277.html|archive-date=15 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 30 June 2023 a K-8 W was destroyed while attacking opposition groups.<ref name=Irrawaddy>{{cite news |date=29 July 2023 |title=Two Myanmar Junta Pilots Killed When Kayah Resistance Shot Down Fighter Jet|url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/two-myanmar-junta-pilots-killed-when-kayah-resistance-shot-down-fighter-jet.html |work=The Irrawaddy |access-date=31 July 2023}}</ref> On 11 November 2023 KNDF and People Defense Forces shot down a K8W at Loikaw, Karenni State with a 0.5 machine gun and it crashed into Than Daung Township in Karen State.

==Accidents and incidents==
* 25 May 2015: A [[Pakistan Air Force]] K-8 crashed while on a training mission near [[Swabi]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]. Both pilots ejected safely.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-14 |title=PAF trainer jet crashes in Swabi, two pilots injured |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/280966-PAF-trainer-jet-crashes-in-Swabi-two-pilots-injur |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Dunya News |language=en}}</ref>
* 24 March 2021: A [[Bolivian Air Force]] (FAB) K-8VB with tail number FAB-663 crashed into a house in [[Sacaba]], Bolivia, killing a woman in her house around 9:30 local time during a training mission. Both crew members survived after ejecting from the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |title=Así sería la Aeronave que cayó en Sacaba
|url=https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/cochabamba/20210324/asi-seria-aeronave-que-cayo-sacaba/ |website=Los Tiempos |date=24 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021}}</ref>
* 18 June 2022: A [[Venezuelan Air Force]] (Aviación Militar Bolivariana AMB) K-8W with tail number 2702 crashed at [[San Francisco Municipality, Zulia#Government|Los Cortijos]] in the state of [[Zulia]]. Both occupants ejected to safety.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/279339 | title=Incident Hongdu K-8W, 18 Jun 2022 }}</ref>
* 11 November 2023: A [[Myanmar Air Force]] jet crashed in [[Hpruso Township]], [[Kayah State|Karenni State]]. Both pilots ejected safely. The air force stated the aircraft suffered a technical problem, while an insurgent group, in conflict with the Myanmar junta, reported it had shot down the jet.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/347782 | title=Incident Hongdu K-8W, 11 November 2023 }}</ref>
* 7 January 2025: A [[Pakistan Air Force]] K-8P crashed near [[Pakistan Air Force Academy]], [[Risalpur]]. The pilot Sqn Ldr Muhammad Ahmed Mian was not able to eject and was killed. The crash was reported to be due to a technical malfunction.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 January 2025 |title=Training aircraft crashes near Risalpur |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1269879-training-aircraft-crashes-near-risalpur |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=The News International}}</ref>
* 6 February 2025: A K-8 of the [[Air Force of Zimbabwe]] crashed in the Guinea Fowl area in [[Gweru]]. The sole pilot on board died in the accident.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Force of Zimbabwe pilot killed on training flight near Gweru |url=https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2025/02/air-force-of-zimbabwe-pilot-killed-on-training-flight-near-gweru/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=www.thezimbabwean.co}}</ref>
* 21 March 2025: A [[Sri Lanka Air Force]] K-8 trainer aircraft crashed near Minuwangete in the [[Wariyapola]] area. Both pilots ejected safely and were uninjured.<ref name="AD-21M">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-21 |title=SLAF training aircraft crashes in Wariyapola |url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=106731 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321072748/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=106731 |archive-date=2025-03-21 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=www.adaderana.lk |language=en}}</ref>

==Variants==
<small>Data from: [https://web.archive.org/web/20121028021126/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp SinoDefence.com]</small>
* '''K-8'''
:Original variant powered by the [[Garrett TFE731|Garrett TFE731-2A]] turbofan engine.
[[File:MIAS 260915 EAF K-8E 02.jpg|thumb|Egyptian Air Force K-8E on display at the 2015 Malta International Airshow]]
* '''K-8E'''
:K-8 variant developed for export to Egypt in 1999, featuring 33 modifications to the airframe and avionics. Built in Egypt from Chinese-supplied kits, production of 80 Egyptian-built Chinese kits was completed in 2005, with license production of an additional 40 K-8Es undertaken thereafter.

[[File:Pakistan Air Force Hongdu K-8P Karakorum Jordan.jpg|thumb|Pakistan Air Force K-8P]]
* '''K-8P'''
:Pakistan-specific variant with new avionics, [[glass cockpit]] and [[Martin-Baker]] Zero-Zero [[ejection seat]]s.
* '''K-8V '''
:An 'integrated flight test simulation aircraft' (IFTSA), equipped with an advanced flight control computer and analogue [[fly-by-wire|fly-by-wire (FBW)]] system which can mimic the aerodynamic characteristics and flight profile of other aircraft. Used primarily to test aircraft designs before prototypes are built and tested.
* '''JL-8'''
:PLAAF-specific variant powered by the [[Ivchenko-Progress AI-25|Ivchenko AI-25 TLK]] turbofan and featuring Chinese avionics suite. First flew in December 1994, 6 aircraft delivered to PLAAF in June 1998.
* '''L-11'''
:Variant of JL-8 powered by the WS-11 turbofan (Ivchenko AI-25 TLK produced under license in China). Approximately 100 aircraft delivered to PLAAF.
* '''JL-8W (K-8W)'''
:Variant of the JL-8 with improved cockpit and HUD. Delivered to Venezuela's Bolivarian Military Aviation 13 March 2010, with no U.S.-controlled parts. Total order 18 aircraft (+ 40 announced). 16 delivered to [[Bangladesh Air Force]], one crashed in 2018.
* '''JL-8VB (K-8VB)'''
:Variant similar to JL-8W; for export to Bolivian Air Force, with no U.S.-controlled parts. Total order 6 aircraft (+ 12 announced).
* '''K-8NG (Next Generation)'''
:Recently at the 2021 Dubai Air Show, a modernization of the K-8 Karakorum training platform called K-8NG was presented.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://aviationweek.com/shownews/dubai-airshow/chinese-manufacturer-lifts-darpa-concept-new-fighter | title=Chinese Manufacturer Lifts DARPA Concept for New Fighter &#124; Aviation Week Network }}</ref> K-8NG is a multi-role jet trainer with basic/advanced training, air-to-ground precision strike, and reconnaissance capabilities.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:Karakorum operators 2022.png|thumb|400px|right|Main operating countries of the Chinese K-8 ''"Karakorum"'' aircraft in the world.]]

===Current===
;{{flag|Angola}}
*[[National Air Force of Angola]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/how-afghanistans-fall-reshaped-world-air-forces-inventory/146576.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 5 January 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref> 
;{{flag|Bangladesh}}
*[[Bangladesh Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> 
;{{flag|Bolivia}}
*[[Bolivian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> 
;{{flag| China}}
*[[People's Liberation Army Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> - 350<ref>{{cite book |title=The Military Balance 2021 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |page=255}}</ref>
**{{Ill|Shijiazhuang Flying College|zh|中国人民解放军空军石家庄飞行学院}} - Retired in 2024<ref name=":0" />
*[[People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force]] - 16<ref>{{cite book |title=The Military Balance 2021 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |page=254}}</ref>
;{{flag|Egypt}}
*[[Egyptian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
;{{flag|Ghana}}
*[[Ghana Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>
[[File:K-8 bol.jpg|thumb|right|A K-8 of the [[Bolivian Air Force]].]] 
;{{flag|Laos}}
*[[Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force]]
;{{flag|Myanmar}}
*[[Myanmar Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> 
;{{flag|Namibia}}
*[[Namibian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> 
;{{flag|Pakistan}}
*[[Pakistan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>  - 12 K-8 and 48 K-8P since 1998
;{{flag|Sri Lanka}}
*[[Sri Lanka Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> 
;{{flag|Sudan}}
*[[Sudanese Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>

;{{flag|Venezuela}}
*[[Venezuelan Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> 
;{{flag|Zambia}}
*[[Zambian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/> 
;{{flag|Zimbabwe}}
*[[Air Force of Zimbabwe]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022"/>

===Former===
;{{Flag|Tanzania}}
*[[Tanzanian Air Force]]

==Specifications (K-8)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Karakoram-8 (K-8) Aircraft,<ref name="PACK-8">{{cite web |title=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Karakoram-8 (K-8) Aircraft |url=https://www.pac.org.pk/k-8 |website=www.pac.org.pk |access-date=6 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426092731/https://www.pac.org.pk/k-8 |archive-date=26 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide<ref name="Jane'sARG">{{cite book |last1=Gething, Gunter Endres |first1=Michael J. |last2=Endres |first2=Gunter |title=Jane's aircraft recognition guide |date=4 September 2007 |publisher=Collins |isbn=978-0061346194 |edition=5th}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2
|length m=11.6
|length note=
|span m=9.63
|span note=
|height m=4.1
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area note=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=2687
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=4330
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Honeywell TFE731-2A]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engine
|eng1 kn=16.01
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=800
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=0.75
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=2250
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=13000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=+7.33 -3.0
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=254.40
|wing loading note=
|disk loading kg/m2=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|armament=
* '''Guns:''' 1× 23 mm cannon pod (mounted on centreline hardpoint)
* '''Hardpoints:''' Up to 5 hardpoints (varies on variants), total capacity 1,000&nbsp;kg (2,205 lb) external fuel and ordnance:
** 4× under-wing, capacity 250&nbsp;kg each
** 1× under-fuselage (23 mm cannon pod mount)
* '''Rockets:''' 57 mm unguided rocket pods, capacity 24 rounds (2 x pods with 12 rounds each)
* '''Air-to-air missiles:''' [[PL-5]], [[PL-7]]
* '''Air-to-ground missiles:''' [[TL-10]], [[TL-20]], [[YJ-9E (Anti ship)]]. NG Version only.
* '''Bombs:''' 200&nbsp;kg, 250&nbsp;kg [[gravity bomb|unguided bomb]]. 50&nbsp;kg, 100&nbsp;kg [[Laser guided bomb]]. NG Version only.
* '''Others:'''
**2× {{cvt|80|USgal|L}} fuel [[drop-tank]]s mounted on outboard under-wing hardpoints

|avionics=
* [[EFIS]]
* Targeting POD for laser guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. NG Version only.
* Passive Jamming POD. NG Version only.
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent|
|see also=
* [[Trainer (aircraft)]]
* [[Jet trainer]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Aero L-39 Albatros]] / [[Aero L-159 Alca]] / [[Aero L-39NG]]
* [[BAE Hawk]]
*[[HAL HJT-36 Yashas]]
* [[CASA C-101 Aviojet]]
* [[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet]]
* [[G-4 Super Galeb]]
* [[IAR 99]]
* [[PZL I-22 Iryda]]
* [[Aermacchi MB-339]]
* [[Mitsubishi T-2]]
* [[MiG-AT]]
* [[Yak-130]]
* [[AIDC AT-3]]
|related=
|lists=

}}

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|editor1-last=Hacket |editor1-first=James |title = The Military Balance 2010 | publisher = Routledge | location = Oxfordshire | year = 2010 | isbn = 978-1-85743-557-3 | author-link = International Institute for Strategic Studies}}
*{{cite book |last1=Donald |first1=David |last2=Lake |first2=Jon |title=Encyclopedia of world military aircraft |date=2000 |publisher=Barnes & Noble |location=NY |isbn=0-7607-2208-0 |pages=391–392}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|K-8 Karakorum}}
*[http://www.pac.org.pk/k-8 K-8 on Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) website]
*[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/k-8.htm K-8 Karakorum at FAS.org]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130123101341/http://www.paffalcons.com/gallery/k8/index.php K-8 Karakorum at PAF Falcons]
*[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/attack/k8/ K-8 Karakorum at Aerospaceweb.org]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121028021126/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp JL-8 at Chinese Defence Today]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070607231534/http://www.pakistanidefence.com/DefenceProduction/PAC/K8_Manufacturing.htm Karakorum-8 at PakistaniDefence.com]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110303184532/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/k-8-jl-11-trainer-china.htm JL-8 Trainer photos and intro, AirForceWorld.com(Simplified Chinese)]

{{AVIC Aero Products}}
{{PAC aircraft}}
{{PRC trainers}}
{{Chinese Military Aircraft}}

[[Category:1990s international military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:1990s international attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Hongdu aircraft|JL-8]]
[[Category:Pakistan Aeronautical Complex aircraft|JL-8]]
[[Category:China–Pakistan military relations]]
[[Category:1990s Chinese military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1990]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]