Shenyang J-8
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation · China · first flew 1984 · fighter
A large Chinese twin-engine interceptor with a delta wing, developed as an enlarged derivative of the MiG-21 lineage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin lateral intakes flanking the forward fuselage with a solid radome nose |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin lateral intakes flanking the forward fuselage with a solid radome nose
- Twin engines giving twin afterburner nozzles at the tail
- Large delta wing with a tall single fin and a folding ventral fin
The twin cheek intakes with a solid pointed radome and twin afterburner nozzles set it apart from the single-engine J-7.
Specifications
- The Shenyang J-8 has a length of 21.39 m (70 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.34 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2300 km/h (1429 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Conceived in the early 1960s, the original nose-intake J-8 first flew in 1969, while the side-intake J-8II flew in 1984 with its nose freed for a larger radar and more powerful WP-13 engines.
Variants
Later versions include the J-8D with a refuelling probe, the J-8H and J-8F with improved radar and missiles, and JZ-8 reconnaissance aircraft, with around 325 Finbacks reported.
Where you'll see it
Served with the PLAAF and naval aviation from the 1980s as a frontline interceptor, declining in recent years. Not seen in UK skies.
Related aircraft
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