Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) Multirole (2024)


Multirole / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft


China | 1980



"J-8 development overcame many setbacks - most of these being political in nature - and maintains an active presence in the Chinese attack fleet."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 07/08/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Shenyang J-8 series (NATO codename of "Finback") was an indigenous Chinese multi-role fighter design appearing in 1980. As China was already in the habit of purchasing Soviet equipment during the Cold War years, it was only natural that the design of the "Finback" closely mimic that of past Soviet creations for sheer simplicity in both development and production. The new design took on facets of Soviet-inspired machines such as the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 "Fishbed" and Sukhoi Su-15 "Flagon" aircraft. It should be noted that the Shenyang-produced Finback was an aircraft whose origins began as far back as the late 1960s, delayed by the upcoming Cultural Revolution in China - along with those local political events that seemingly delay important technological advancements. The "Revolution" would force the Finback project to develop its wings in a slow methodical effort, leaving the aircraft to officially join the ranks of the Chinese Air Force by 1980 - spanning some 10 years of development.

Design was conventional and very similar to past Russian aircraft offerings. The cockpit was situated forward in the long-nosed fuselage fitted with a conical nose cone featuring straight-faced fuselage sides. Intakes for the twin engines were fitted to either side of the body and positioned just aft of the cockpit, affording the pilot a relatively good all-around view. Wings were low monoplane arrangements with extremely sharp angles in much the same design facet that the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 "Fishbed" utilized. The empennage consisted of a traditional arrangement of elevators along a horizontal plane and a single vertical tail surface over the twin engine exhausts aft. Externally, the J-8 followed the Sukhoi Su-15's external design while much of the internal technology was based on the provided Soviet material as related to the MiG-21. The end product, therefore, held no true surprises when one considers the heavy Soviet involvement and influence in the Chinese design.

Armament was consistent with the J-8's Soviet pedigree and features a variety of short- and medium-range air-to-air missile systems. The addition of a semi-active anti-radar missile no doubt increased the type's potency as did its ability to carry air-to-air rocket and air-to-ground cannon pods for close-in work. Conventional drop bombs are also part of the cleared munitions capabilities that effectively evolved the J-8 series into a multi-role performer. Standard armament was a single 23mm cannon, this naturally based on an original Soviet design.

In active service since 1980, the J-8 series as a whole has since been revamped a number of times to spawn a number of variants. The base J-8 (NATO codename of "Finback-A") was strictly a day fighter whose production totals were extremely limited. The J-8 "Series I" became the first Finback of quantity, seeing some 100 total examples produced and also taking on the name of "Finback-A" in NATO. Series-I Finbacks sported a Sichuan SR-4 series radar system, a one-piece canopy and some minor airframe refinements.

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The J-8E became an improved J-8I model while the JZ-8 (or J-8R) was billed as a dedicated reconnaissance platform. The J-8ACT was used as a fly-by-wire developmental model designation.

J-8II ("Finback-B") featured a nose-mounted radar assembly, deleting the MiG-21-style nose-mounted intake in favor of lateral-mounted ones (ala the MiG-23 "Flogger"). The ventral side fitted a folding fin and the canopy was manufactured as a two-piece system. The J-8 IIB was naturally billed as an improved J-8II, also taking on the NATO codename of "Finback-B", and fitting twin WP-13AII turbojet engines and a 23mm Type 23-III series cannon. Again, fly-by-wire developmental models were represented by the J-8II-BW2/J-8IIACT. The J-8 IID sported an in-flight refueling probe.

The "II-series" was well represented on the world market by the inclusion of the export-friendly J-8IIM / F-8IIM based on the J-8B production model. These versions fitted WP13B turbojet engines capable of 15,432lbs of thrust. Other refinements included a Soviet Phazotron Zhuk-8 II pulse Doppler radar system, an updated cockpit and integrated GPS navigation.

"Peace Pearl" J-8II was a proposed joint American-Chinese effort to mate the J-8 II production model with US avionics, APG-66 type radar system and ejection seat. The events at Tiananmen Square nixed this project foray.

Other improved Finbacks appeared in the mold of the J-8IIH, J-8IIF and J-8IIM models, each differing slightly. The J-8III fitted WP-14 engines with improved radar capability, a digital fire-control solution and a revised cockpit (with multi-function displays) and canopy. The F-8 was yet-another series of technology demonstrators, with this model utilizing an integrated digital fly-by-wire control system.

The J-8 series have served under the air force and naval branches of China and it will continue to appear in active service until the new generation of indigenous Chinese multi-role aircraft come online in quantity. At least 325 Finbacks were known to have been produced.

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Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Shenyang J-8 II (Finback) Multirole / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft.

2 x Liyang (Guizhou) WP13A II turbojets with afterburner developing 14,815 lb of thrust.
Propulsion

1,453 mph
2,338 kph | 1,262 kts
Max Speed

66,273 ft
20,200 m | 13 miles
Service Ceiling

1,367 miles
2,200 km | 1,188 nm
Operational Range

39,370 ft/min
12,000 m/min
Rate-of-Climb

City-to-City Ranges
Operational range when compared to distances between major cities (in KM).

NYC

LON

LON

PAR

PAR

BER

MOS

TOK

TOK

SYD

SYD

LAX

LAX

NYC

Structure
The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the Shenyang J-8 II (Finback) Multirole / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft.

1
(MANNED)
Crew

70.8 ft
21.59 m
O/A Length

30.6 ft
(9.34 m)
O/A Width

17.7 ft
(5.41 m)
O/A Height

21,649 lb
(9,820 kg)
Empty Weight

39,242 lb
(17,800 kg)
MTOW

Design Balance
The three qualities reflected below are altitude, speed, and range. The more full the box, the more balanced the design.

RANGE

ALT

SPEED

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) Multirole / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft .

1 x 23mm cannon

Mission-specific armament may include:

PL-2B infrared guided air-to-air missiles
PL-7 medium-range semi-active radar-guided air-to-air missiles
Air-to-air rockets (pods)
Air-to-surface rockets (pods)
R-77 air-to-air missiles
R-27R1 air-to-air missiles
Conventional drop bombs

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) family line.

J-8 ?Finback-A? - Initial Production Model batch of which only a few were constructed; Day Fighter.
J-8 I ?Finback-A? - Improved All-Weather J-8 model of which roughly 100 were reported to have been produced; Fitted with Sichuan SR-4 radar system; minor airframe improvements; one-piece canopy.
J-8E ? Upgraded J-8 I Model
JZ-8 (J-8R) ? Dedicated Reconnaissance Model based on either J-8 or J-8I.
J-8ACT ? Fly-by-Wire Developmental Model
J-8II ?Finback-B? - Nose-mounted radar assembly; lateral air intakes introduced; ventral folding fin; two-piece canopy is introduced.
J-8IIB ?Finback-B? ? ?Improved? J-8II; fitted with 2 x WP-13AII turbojet engines; 23mm Type 23-III cannon.
J-8II-BW2 / J-8IIACT ? Fly-by-Wire Developmental Model
J-8 IID ?Finback-B? - Based on J-8 II model but provisioning for inflight refueling being added.
F-8II - Export Variant Model Designation of the J-8 II.
J-8IIM / F-8IIM ? Export Version of J-8B Model; improved WP13B turbojet engines capable of 15,432lbs of thrust; fitted with Phazotron Zhuk-8 II pulse Doppler radar system; modernized cockpit systems and ergonomics; GPS navigation system.
"Peace Pearl" J-8II - Abandoned program where the J-8 II was to be fitted with US-produced avionics, ejection seat system and APG-66 radar system; program terminated following the Tiananmen Square massacre.
J-8IIH / J-8H ? 2 x WP-13B engines; improved radar; redesigned canopy; improved weapons load variation.
J-8IIF / J-8F ? 2 x WP-13BII engines; inflight refueling capable; improved radar.
J-8IIM ? Upgraded J-8IIF Model Series; improved radar; improved air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.
J-8III / J-8C ? 2 x WP-14 engines; improved radar; redesigned canopy; digital fire-control system; multi-function displays.
F-8 Demonstrator - Featuring integrated digital computer-controlled fly-by-wire controlling.
J-8T - Advanced J-8 currently under development.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 325 Units

Contractor(s): Shenyang / Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)- China

[ China ]

Relative Max Speed

Hi: 1500mph

Lo: 750mph

Aircraft Max Listed Speed (1,453mph).


Graph Average of 1,125 MPH.

Era Crossover

Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) Multirole (4)

Showcasing Aircraft Era Crossover (if any)

Max Alt Visualization

Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) Multirole (5)

Production Comparison

325

36183

44000

Entry compared against Ilyushin IL-2 (military) and Cessna 172 (civilian) total production.

MACH Regime (Sonic)

Sub

Trans

Super

Hyper

HiHyper

ReEntry

RANGES (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hi-Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: >19030

Aviation Timeline

EarlyYrs

WWI

Interwar

WWII

ColdWar

Postwar

Modern

Future

1 / 1

Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) Multirole (6)

Image from the Russian Ministry of Defense.


Mission Roles
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to airborne requirements.

AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT

GROUND ATTACK

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Going Further...
The Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) Multirole / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft appears in the following collections:

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Shenyang (AVIC) J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) Multirole (2024)

FAQs

Why no one is buying Chinese jets? ›

This lack of proven track record makes potential buyers wary, as they prefer established and proven options from countries with a long history of successful military aircraft development and deployment. While China has offered many affordable jets in the China has indeed made strides in developing its own engines.

What is China's main fighter jet? ›

The fourth-generation J-15, also developed by SAC, is China's only ship-borne fighter jet in active service. State news agency Xinhua reported back in 2015 that the J-31 could complement the J-20 fighter jets in air combat, and might also be paired with the J-15 as a carrier-based aircraft.

What is the fastest civil aircraft? ›

The fastest commercial airliner still in service today is the 50-year-old Boeing 747, which can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.92, or 706 mph at sea level. Meanwhile, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the world's fastest twin-engine widebody jet and can journey at Mach 0.90, or 690 mph.

What is the fastest fighter jet model? ›

The X-43, an experimental aircraft, holds the distinction of being not only the fastest fighter jet but the fastest aircraft ever built period, having achieved a top speed of Mach 9.6.

How fast can the F 14 go Mach? ›

Engines. The F-14A was initially equipped with two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A (or JTF10A) augmented turbofan engines, each rated at 20,900 lb (93 kN) of static uninstalled thrust, which enabled the aircraft to attain a maximum speed of Mach 2.34.

What is the American equivalent of the J-16? ›

According to Hui Tong, the J-16 is a version of the J-11BS comparable to American F-15E.

Has an F-16 ever been shot down in combat? ›

Only the USAF has lost F-16s in combat with 4 officially recorded as of today. There were four originally during the Gulf War, but the premature bomb detonation under one aircraft was eventually ruled out. Then we have the O'Grady SAM loss over Bosnia.

What is the Chinese equivalent of the F-16? ›

The Shenyang J-16 Hidden Dragon (Chinese: 歼-16 潜龙, Pīnyīn: Jiān-16 Qián Lóng) is a Chinese 4.5 generation, tandem-seat, twinjet, multirole strike fighter built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

Why doesn t the J-20 have a gun? ›

J-20 doesn't have a gun because of the design of internal weapon storage. It can carry upto 4 PL-15 in internal storage and a pair of PL-10 on external pylons. This leaves practically no place to install a cannon on the fuselage, which is typically used on most fighter jets.

Can F-22 carry JDAMs? ›

For close air support or precision strike mission, the F-22 can carry two 1,000 pounds GBU-32 JDAMs or eight 250 pound Small Diameter Bombs, in addition to pairs of both AIM-9s and AIM-120s.

What was the F-15 designed for? ›

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night and in all weather. The aircraft uses two crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer.

Does China still use J-7? ›

The decommissioning of the J-7 began in 2018, with the whole fleet set to retire in 2023. According to the US Air Force China Aerospace Studies Institute, the retirement of J-7 marked the PLAAF's transition to a fleet composed of only fourth-generation and fifth-generation aircraft.

Why China does not use JF 17? ›

It is one of the most widely operated Chinese combat jets, but China has not inducted it into its inventory. The JF-17 has not been designed to compete with the F-22 but is a cheap multi-role fighter jet that can offer developing countries freedom from the strings attached to defense sales from Western countries.

What bomber does China use? ›

The North American Aerospace Defense Command said it monitored two Chinese H-6 bombers and two Russian TU-95 strategic bombers flying in Alaska's ADIZ on Wednesday, according to a news release. China and Russia have previously conducted bomber flights near Japan.

Does China have an F-16? ›

The Republic of China Air Force operates a total of 150 F-16A/B Block 20 aircraft, which are essentially identical to MLU aircraft.

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