During the 1980s, China’s J-7 and J-8 could no longer confront the threats of the Su-24 and Tu-22 from the north. Therefore, there was an urgent need for a fighter with medium-range interception capabilities that consequently gave birth to the J-8II. In order to install a larger radar, the nose air intake and its shock cone were replaced with an ogival radome and lateral air intakes. Benefitting from an upgraded power plant, using two WP-13B turbojet engines, the J-8II, as an interceptor, can carry medium-range air-to-air missiles and fly Mach 2.2 at 12,000 meters.
The upgraded J-8II by Grumman (a.k.a J-8PP) was fitted with APG-66(V) radar, 1553B bus, and other western devices. For the first time, the 1553 data bus concept was introduced to the Chinese aviation industry. To launch and guide Aspide/PL-11 medium-range missiles, a Chinese made continuous wave emitter was installed to work with the APG-66(V) radar. The J-8PP can perform medium-range interception against low-altitude / high-speed and high-altitude / high-speed intruders. It also has limited ground attack capability.
The DCS: J-8II module will include the flyable J-8PP and the AI J-8F.
Key features of J-8PP include:
AN/APG-66V-PRC-F8 radar with NAM, STT, ACM, GM, and AGR modes
AWG-27 for loadout management
Fire Control Computer from Westinghouse
LN-39 INS
HUD from GEC
Head Down Display from Honeywell
Air Data Computer (CPU-140/A) from GEC
Radar Warning Receiver SPJ/IFF
2 x WP-13B turbojet engines
Air-to-Air missiles: Aspide/PL-11, PL-8 and PL-5
Unguided weapons: 250kg GP bombs and 57mm/90mm rockets
We hope you enjoyed this preview of this fascinating new module coming to DCS.
