- Hongdu JL-8
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"K-8" redirects here. For the submarine, see Soviet submarine K-8. For the Kansas highway, see K-8 (Kansas highway).
Hongdu JL-8
K-8 Karakorum
A K-8 of the Pakistan Air Force aerobatics team, Sherdils, takes off during the Zhuhai Air Show 2010 in China. Role Jet trainer
Light attackManufacturer Hongdu
Pakistan Aeronautical ComplexFirst flight 21 November, 1990 Introduction 21 September 1994 Status Operational Primary users PLA Air Force, Pakistan Air Force
Egyptian Air ForceNumber built 500+[1] Unit cost 10 million[2] The Hongdu JL-8 (or Nanchang JL-8) is a two-seat intermediate jet trainer and light attack aircraft designed in the People's Republic of China by China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. The primary contractor for this plane is the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation. One of its export variants, K-8 Karakorum is co-produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.
Contents
History
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 then President General Zia ul Haq to Karakorum-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 Mr. Shi Ping (石屏), heading a team of over 100 Chinese Engineers, while 20 Pakistani Engineers also participated in the designing of the aircraft.
Initially, the aircraft was to feature many United States parts, including Garrett TFE-731 engine and several cockpit displays along with 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 vendors had to be used. The first prototype was built in 1989, with the first flight taking place on 21 November 1990 by Chief Test Pilot Col Yang Yao (杨耀). Flight testing continued from 1991 to 1993 by a Flight Test Team consisting of four Chinese and two Pakistani Pilots (Group Captain Waqar Ahmad and Squadron Leader Nadeem Sherwani).
After four prototypes were built, production of a small batch of 24 aircraft was launched in 1992. Chinese share out of these was 18, while Pakistan Air Force (PAF) received six K-8s in 1994. In 1995, 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 PAF were 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 WS-11, a Chinese-manufactured version of the Ukrainian Ivchenko AI-25 (DV-2) engine. The PLAAF is anticipated to continue adding the JL-8 trainer to its fleet to replace its obsolete trainers, such as the Chengdu JJ-5. In 2008, the number of JL-8s in PLAAF inventory were estimated to be over 120 aircraft.
Other nations 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 cum 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 currently 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 features Armament racks for carrying a variety of training and operational bombs up to 250 KG, pod mounted 23 mm canon as well as PL-5 / 7 /AIM-9 P launchers. Studies for putting a Griffo Radar in the nose are well under way. In Sep 2011, NAMC rolled out another 12 K-8P for undisclosed foreign client.[3]
In 2008 Venezuela announced the purchase of 18 K-8 aircraft. Currently the K-8 is being marketed by China to the air forces of the Philippines; and to Indonesia, as a replacement for Indonesia's BAE Hawk jet trainers.[4] In 2009, the Bolivian government approved a deal to purchase 6 K-8P aircraft for use in anti-drug operations.[5] The total number of K-8 aircraft produced till 2010 in all variants were estimated to be over 500, with production rate of approximately 24 aircraft per year continuing.
Design
The JL-8 has a 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 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 and rudder control systems are of reversible push-rod type.
Cockpit and avionics
The JL-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 displays (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 seats 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.[6]
Ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) radio communication systems are present, along with a Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) and 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 temperatures of -40 to +52 °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-25TLK turbofan jet engine with 16.9 KN of thrust, but this has been replaced by the WS-11, the Chinese-manufactured copy of the AI-25TLK. Export variants (K-8P, K-8E) use the lower powered Honeywell TFE731-2A-2A modular turbofan, which has digital electronic engine control (DEEC) with 15.6 KN thrust, 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 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 a number of places including Dubai, Paris, Franbrough, Bangkok, Zuhai 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.[7][8]
Variants
Data from: SinoDefence.com
- K-8
- Original variant powered by the Garrett TFE731-2A turbofan engine.
- 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.
- K-8P
- Pakistan-specific variant with new avionics such as glass cockpit.
- K-8V
- An 'integrated flight test simulation aircraft' (IFTSA), equipped with an advanced flight control computer and analogue 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 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 March 13, 2010, with no U.S.-controlled parts. Total order 18 aircraft (+ 40 announced).
- 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).
Operators
Operators of the JL-8 and K-8.
Red = Current, Dark red = Former- Bolivian Air Force - 6 JL-8VB
- Egyptian Air Force - 118 K-8E (80 assembled from Chinese-supplied kits + 40 manufactured in Egypt - 2 crashed)
Myanmar
- Myanmar Armed Forces - 12× K-8 delivered with additional 48 on order.[10]
- Namibian Air Force - 12
A K-8 of the Pakistan Air Force aerobatics team, Sherdils, on the flightline of Zhuhai Air Show 2010. An Airbus A380 takes off in the background.- Pakistan Air Force - currently operates 38× K-8P.[10]
- People's Liberation Army Air Force - 190× JL-8 delivered as of February 2011[10], out of 400 ordered.[11]
- Sri Lanka Air Force - 5× K-8 delivered with additional 2 on order.[10]
- Sudanese Air Force - 12
- Tanzanian Air Force - 6
- Venezuelan Air Force - 6 K-8W delivered on March 13, 2010; 1 crashed; 12 more to be delivered before December 2011.[12] In June 2010 it was announced that another 18 aircraft will be ordered to bring the total to 36.[citation needed] The last 23 August 2010 Venezuela has been received 12 K-8Ws to complete the first 18 ordered. One was lost shortly after takeoff on July 21, 2010 at Barquisimeto.
- Air Force of Zimbabwe - 11 (12 delivered - 1 crashed)[13]
Incidents
At 9am on 5 September 2008, a K-8 Karakorum trainer of the Air Force of Zimbabwe crashed over the town of Gweru, killing both pilots. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie.[13]
On 21 July 2010, a K-8 Karakorum trainer of the Venezuela Air Force crashed just 4 months after its delivery. The pilots ejected and managed to survive.[14]
On 20 August 2011 two Zimbabwe Air Force K-8's collided in mid-air while taking part in a fly past at the funeral of retired General Solomon Mujuru.[citation needed] Pieces were seen to fall from the aircraft, but they both appeared to land safely.
Specifications (K-8)
Data from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, SinoDefence.com, PakDef.info, Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 (in tandem)
- Length: 11.6 m (38 ft 0 in)
- Wingspan: 9.63 m (31 ft 7 in)
- Height: 4.21 m (13 ft 9 in)
- Empty weight: 2,687 kg (5,924 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,330 kg (9,546 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Garrett TFE731-2A-2A turbofan, 16.01 kN (3,600 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.75 (800 km/h, 498 mph)
- Range: 2,250 km (1,398 mi)
- Service ceiling: 13,000 m (42,651 ft)
- Wing loading: 254.40 kg m-2 ()
- Max. airframe load factor: +7.33 g / -3.0 g
Armament
- Guns: 1× 23 mm cannon pod (mounted on centreline hardpoint)
- Hardpoints: 5, 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
- Bombs: 200 kg, 250 kg unguided bomb, BL755 cluster bomb
- Others:
- 2× 80 gal fuel drop-tanks mounted on outboard under-wing hardpoints
Avionics
- EFIS
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Aermacchi MB-339
- Aero L-39 Albatros
- BAE Hawk
- Soko G-4 Super Galeb
- HAL HJT-36 Sitara
- IA-63 Pampa
- IAR 99
References
- Notes
- ^ K-8 (JL-8, L-11) Basic Jet Trainer - SinoDefence.com
- ^ Bolivia Set To Receive 6 Karakorum Combat Jets From China
- ^ "K-8P trainer jet exportation". AirForceWorld.com. http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/k-8-jl-11-trainer-china.htm. Retrieved 5 Sep 2011.
- ^ ANGKASA No.07 Edisi April 2007 (page 14-15)
- ^ DAWN.com | Bolivia buys six Pakistan-made aircraft
- ^ "AirForceWorld.com JL8 Trainer Jet rocket practice". AirForceWorld.com. http://airforceworld.com/pla/english/k-8-JL-8-JL-11-trainer-china-pakistan.html. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
- ^ "PAF’s High Mark exercise enters second phase". Newspaper article. PAF Bombing Range, Thal, Pakistan: Pakistan Times. Wednesday, 07 April 2010. http://pakistantimes.net/pt/detail.php?newsId=10060. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "PAF's firepower demo marks precise hit at enemy targets". Newspaper article. Thal, Pakistan: www.OnePakistan.com. 07-04-2010. http://www.onepakistan.com/news/feed/top-stories/39539-PAFs-firepower-demo-marks-precise-hit-enemy-targets.txt. Retrieved 7 April 2010.[dead link]
- ^ Ghanese military aviation OrBat
- ^ a b c d Adam Baddeley (February 2011). "The AMR Regional Air Force Directory 2011". Asian Military Review. http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/201102172337151.pdf. Retrieved 11 July 2011.
- ^ Hacket, pg 404.
- ^ Chávez recibe armamento militar chino (March 13, 2010)
- ^ a b http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/army49.18719.html
- ^ http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=94640
- Bibliography
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (2010). Hacket, James. ed. The Military Balance 2010. Oxfordshire: Routledge. ISBN 9781857435573.
- Donald, David and Lake, Jon, ed. The Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft (2000) p. 391-392. NY: Barnes & Noble. ISBN 0-7607-2208-0
External links
- K-8 Karakorum at FAS.org
- K-8 Karakorum at Aerospaceweb.org
- JL-8 at Chinese Defence Today
- Karakorum-8 at PakistaniDefence.com
- K-8 Karakorum at PakDef.info
- JL-8 Trainer photos and intro, AirForceWorld.com(Simplified Chinese)
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