D
Air ForcesChina

J-8F

Interceptor fighter aircraftFielded 2006Pending verification
Air ForcesCHN
Length 21.59 m
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeInterceptor fighter aircraft
Date of introduction2006
ProliferationOrigin country only
Crew1Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length21.59 m71 ftMed[1]
Height5.41 m18 ftMed[1]
Wingspan9.34 m31 ftMed[1]
Wing area42.2 sq mMed[1]
Empty weight9,820 kg21,649 lbMed[1]
Max takeoff weight17,800 kg39,242 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine2 x Wopen 13A-II turbojetsMed[1]
Thrust / power14,815 lb (6,720 kg) static thrust each with afterburnerMed[1]
Service ceiling1,263,000 m4,143,701 ftAutomated check: outside the expected range for this type; verify against the source.Low[1]
Combat radius800 km497 mi · 432 nmiMed[1]
Rate of climb12,000 m/minMed[1]
Armament and payload
Armament1 x Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23; Autocannon; PL-2B; PL-7; PL-12Med[1]
Fire control
Fire Control RadarType 1492 X-band fire-control radarMed[1]
Intelligence PodBM/KZ900 electronic intelligence podMed[1]
Variants
J-8 (Finback-A) SeriesFirst flew on 5 July 1969. Initial day fighter variant, resembles an enlarged MiG-21. Equipped with 2 x WP-7A turbojet engines, SR-4 ranging radar 2 x Type 30-I 30mm cannon (200 rounds each), and 2 x PL-2 IR-guided AAMs. Limited production.[1]
J-8II (Finback-B) SeriesJ-8II (Finback-B) First flown on 12 June 1984, the improved J-8I prototype with redesigned nose/front section and fuselage. replacing the nose air inlet with a solid nose and lateral air intakes, similar to those of the MiG-23.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 5Confidence · Source
1 x Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23Autocannon
Med[1]
Type
Autocannon
Caliber
23mm
Rate of fire
3,400–3,600 rounds/min (alleged)
AutocannonWeapon
Med[1]
Quantity
200 Rounds
Caliber
23mm
PL-2BAir-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Range
10 km6 mi · 5 nmi
Type
Air-to-Air Missile
Guidance
Nitrogen cooled passive InPb infrared seeker
Warhead
11.3 kg high explosive
Speed
Mach 2.5
Length
2.99 m
PL-7Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Range
14 km9 mi · 8 nmi
Type
Air-to-Air Missile
Guidance
Infrared Homing
Warhead
12.5 kg
Speed
Mach 2.5
Length
2.74 m
PL-12Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]
Range
100 km62 mi · 54 nmi
Type
Air-to-Air Missile
Guidance
Active Radar
Summary

The J-8F Chinese Interceptor Fighter Aircraft is a model of the J-8II Series. This variant features the Type 1492 X-band fire-control radar, glass cockpit and more powerful WP-13BII engines.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. J-8F Chinese Interceptor Fighter Aircraft, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import