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Hongdu JL-8

(Redirected fromK-8 Karakorum)

TheHongdu JL-8(Nanchang JL-8), also known as theKarakorum-8orK-8for short, is a two-seat intermediate jettrainerand light attack aircraft designed byChina Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing CorporationandPakistan Aeronautical Complex.The primary contractor is theHongdu Aviation Industry Corporation.

JL-8/K-8
K-8 of theBangladesh Air Force
General information
TypeJet trainer
Light attack
National originChina
Pakistan
ManufacturerHongdu Aviation Industry Corporation
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
StatusOperational
Primary usersPLA Air Force
Number built500+[1]
History
Manufactured1990-present
Introduction date21 September 1994
First flight21 November 1990

Development

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The JL-8 trainer was proposed as a joint cooperation effort between the governments ofPakistanand the People's Republic of China in 1986. The name was changed on the suggestion of Pakistan's PresidentZia ul HaqtoKarakoram-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 wasShi Ping(Thạch bình), 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 theGarrett TFE731engine 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 theTiananmen Square protests of 1989,other suppliers had to be used. The firstprototypewas built in 1989, with the first flight taking place on 21 November 1990, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Col Yang Yao (Dương diệu). 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 thePakistan 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 ofCessna T-37 Tweetbasic trainers. In 2010, the number of K-8 aircraft in the PAF inventory was estimated to be around 40. ThePeople'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 theChengdu 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 theclose air supportor even air combat role when appropriately armed.

The export-variant K-8 Karakorum Basic Common Advanced Jet Trainer is co-produced byChina 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 hashardpointsfor carrying a variety of training and operational bombs up to 250 kg, pod-mounted 23 mm cannon, and PL-5 / 7 /AIM-9 P launchers. In September 2011, NAMC produced another 12 K-8Ps for an undisclosed foreign client.[2]

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],and to Indonesia, as a replacement for Indonesia'sBAE Hawkjet trainers.[3]In 2009, the Bolivian government approved a deal to purchase 6 K-8P aircraft for use in anti-drug operations.[4]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

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A K-8 of theBolivian Air Force.

The JL-8 / K-8 has amulti-rolecapability 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

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A low-wingmonoplanedesign primarily constructed of aluminum alloys, the JL-8 / K-8airframestructure is designed for an 8,000 flight hour service life.

Thelanding gearis of tricycle configuration, with hydraulically operated wheel brakes and nose-wheel steering.

Theflight control systemoperates a set of conventionalflight control surfaceswith a rigid push-rod transmission system, which itself is electrically or hydraulically operated. Theaileroncontrol 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. Theelevatorandruddercontrol systems are of reversible push-rod type.

Cockpit and avionics

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The JL-8 / K-8 cockpit arrangement is designed to be as close to that of acombat aircraftas 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.

ARockwell CollinsElectronic Flight Instrument System(EFIS) is fitted, withmulti-function displays(MFDs) in the front and rear cockpits showing information to the pilots. The emergency cockpit escape system is made up of twoMartin-BakerMK-10L rocket-assistedejection seatswhich 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.[5]

Ultra high frequency(UHF) andvery high frequency(VHF) radio communication systems are present, along with aTactical Air Navigation(TACAN) andautomatic direction finder(ADF). Aninstrument landing system(ILS) is also available. These systems can be tailored to meet the requirements of the customer.

A strap-onEnvironmental control system(ECS) fromAlliedSignalprovidesair conditioningto the cockpit. It is capable of operating when the aircraft is on the ground, underambient temperaturesof -40 to +52 °C, as well as in the air.

Propulsion and fuel system

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The JL-8, for the Chinese domestic market, was originally powered by the UkrainianIvchenko-Progress AI-25TLKturbofanjet engine with 16.9 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 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 twofuselagebladder-type rubber tanks and a wing integral tank of 1720 lb. The capacity of each drop tank is 250 litres.

Operational history

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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 thePakistan Day Parade.It became part of theSherdils(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.[6][7]

Myanmar

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In late December 2012 and early January 2013, during theKachin conflict,K-8s of theMyanmar Air Forcewere used to strikeKachin Independence Armypositions in the north of the country.[8][9]On 30 June 2023 a K-8 W was destroyed while attacking opposition groups.[10]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

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  • 24 March 2021: ABolivian Air Force(FAB) K-8VB with tail number FAB-663 crashed into a house inSacaba,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.[11]
  • 18 June 2022: AVenezuelan Air Force(Aviación Militar Bolivariana AMB) K-8W with tail number 2702 crashed atLos Cortijosin the state ofZulia.Both occupants ejected to safety.[12]
  • 11 November 2023: AMyanmar Air Forcejet crashed inHpruso Township,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.[13]

Variants

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Data from:SinoDefence.com

  • K-8
Original variant powered by theGarrett TFE731-2Aturbofan engine.
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.
Pakistan Air Force K-8P
  • K-8P
Pakistan-specific variant with new avionics,glass cockpitandMartin-BakerZero-Zeroejection seats.
  • K-8V
An 'integrated flight test simulation aircraft' (IFTSA), equipped with an advanced flight control computer and analoguefly-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 theIvchenko AI-25 TLKturbofan 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 toBangladesh 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.[14]K-8NG is a multi-role jet trainer with basic/advanced training, air-to-ground precision strike, and reconnaissance capabilities.[citation needed]

Operators

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Main operating countries of the Chinese K-8"Karakorum"aircraft in the world.

Current

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Angola
Bangladesh
Bolivia
China
Egypt
Ghana
A K-8 of theBolivian Air Force.
Laos
Myanmar
Namibia
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Former

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Tanzania

Specifications (K-8)

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Data fromPakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Karakoram-8 (K-8) Aircraft,[18]Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide[19]

General characteristics

  • Crew:2
  • Length:11.6 m (38 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan:9.63 m (31 ft 7 in)
  • Height:4.1 m (13 ft 5 in)
  • Empty weight:2,687 kg (5,924 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight:4,330 kg (9,546 lb)
  • Powerplant:1 ×Honeywell TFE731-2Aturbofanengine, 16.01 kN (3,600 lbf) thrust

Performance

  • Maximum speed:800 km/h (500 mph, 430 kn)
  • Maximum speed:Mach 0.75
  • Range:2,250 km (1,400 mi, 1,210 nmi)
  • Service ceiling:13,000 m (43,000 ft)
  • g limits:+7.33 -3.0
  • Wing loading:254.40 kg/m2(52.11 lb/sq ft)

Armament

  • Guns:1× 23 mm cannon pod (mounted on centreline hardpoint)
  • Hardpoints:Up to 5 hardpoints (varies on variants), total capacity 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) external fuel and ordnance:
    • 4× under-wing, capacity 250 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 kg, 250 kgunguided bomb.50 kg, 100 kgLaser guided bomb.NG Version only.
  • Others:
    • 2× 80 US gal (300 L) fueldrop-tanksmounted 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

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Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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Notes
  1. ^K-8 (JL-8, L-11) Basic Jet Trainer - SinoDefence.comArchived28 October 2012 at theWayback Machine
  2. ^"K-8P trainer jet exportation".AirForceWorld.com.Archived fromthe originalon 3 March 2011.Retrieved5 September2011.
  3. ^ANGKASA No.07 Edisi April 2007 (page 14-15)
  4. ^DAWN.com | Bolivia buys six Pakistan-made aircraftArchived29 March 2010 at theWayback Machine
  5. ^"AirForceWorld.com JL8 Trainer Jet rocket practice".AirForceWorld.com.Archived fromthe originalon 9 February 2011.Retrieved3 June2011.
  6. ^"PAF's High Mark exercise enters second phase".Pakistan Times.PAF Bombing Range, Thal, Pakistan. 7 April 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 14 June 2011.Retrieved7 April2010.
  7. ^"PAF's firepower demo marks precise hit at enemy targets".Thal, Pakistan: OnePakistan.com. 7 April 2010.Retrieved7 April2010.[dead link‍]
  8. ^"Myanmar jets used against Kachin rebels (raw footage)".YouTube.3 January 2013.Archivedfrom the original on 21 December 2021.Retrieved4 February2015.
  9. ^Bertil Lintner."Myanmar airstrikes reopen ethnic wounds".Archivedfrom the original on 15 February 2015.Retrieved4 February2015.
  10. ^"Two Myanmar Junta Pilots Killed When Kayah Resistance Shot Down Fighter Jet".The Irrawaddy.29 July 2023.Retrieved31 July2023.
  11. ^"Así sería la Aeronave que cayó en Sacaba".Los Tiempos.24 March 2021.Retrieved24 March2021.
  12. ^"Incident Hongdu K-8W, 18 Jun 2022".
  13. ^"Incident Hongdu K-8W, 11 November 2023".
  14. ^"Chinese Manufacturer Lifts DARPA Concept for New Fighter | Aviation Week Network".
  15. ^abcdefghijklmn"World Air Forces 2022".Flightglobal Insight. 2022.Retrieved5 January2022.
  16. ^The Military Balance 2021.International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 255.
  17. ^The Military Balance 2021.International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 254.
  18. ^"Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Karakoram-8 (K-8) Aircraft".www.pac.org.pk.Archivedfrom the original on 26 April 2019.Retrieved6 July2019.
  19. ^Gething, Gunter Endres, Michael J.; Endres, Gunter (4 September 2007).Jane's aircraft recognition guide(5th ed.). Collins.ISBN978-0061346194.
Bibliography
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