Shenyang J-8 Finback

Summary

Category Combat aircraft
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
First flight5 July 1969
Year of introduction1980
Number produced408 units

Description

The Shenyang J-8 Finback, a single-engine, twin-jet, all-weather interceptor, was developed by the Chinese aerospace manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation in the late 1960s. Based on a Soviet design, the aircraft underwent extensive modifications to suit the requirements of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Primarily designed for air defense and interception missions, the J-8 Finback featured advanced avionics and radar systems, enabling it to engage aerial targets in different weather conditions. It was deployed by the PLAAF during the 1970s and 1980s and played a crucial role in safeguarding Chinese airspace, especially in border regions.

Technical specifications

Version: J-8 Finback-A
Maximum speed 2300 km/h (1429 mph)
Wingspan9.3 m (30.7 ft)
Height5.4 m (17.7 ft)
Length21.5 m (70.6 ft)
Service ceiling18000 m (59055 ft)
Empty weight10371 kg (22864 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight18879 kg (41621 lbs)
Climb rate224.0 m/s (734.9 ft/s)
Takeoff distance630 m (2067 ft)
Powerplant2 × Guizhou WP-13B afterburning turbojet engines delivering 47.1 kN (10,580 lbf) thrust dry – 68.6 kN (15,430 lbf) with afterburner

Current operating countries

Country Units
China China 143

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

China