Shenyang J-8 Finback
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| First flight | 5 July 1969 |
| Year of introduction | 1980 |
| Number produced | 408 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) |
| Wingspan | 9.3 m (30.7 ft) |
| Height | 5.4 m (17.7 ft) |
| Length | 21.5 m (70.6 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 18000 m (59055 ft) |
| Empty weight | 10371 kg (22864 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 18879 kg (41621 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 224.0 m/s (734.9 ft/s) |
| Takeoff distance | 630 m (2067 ft) |
| Powerplant | 2 × 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 | 143 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.