The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft

crobato said:

Not much information about it. That website already has the best info for it.

The nose design is due because the radar is larger than the standard one used for the J-7. With a more powerful radar, the plane can do BVR engagement, compared to using the standard nose with a small radar, like you would do with the case of the KLJ-6F we discussed about. The radar here might be about the same size as the one used on the JF-17. On the other aircraft, the F-7MF as opposed to the J-7FS which had the Corsair nose, it was never built. It planned to utilize the J-10's radar from my impression.

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Is there any real difference between the J-7FS and the F-7MF other than the nose? Adn why did they not opt for a new designation? This is porbably the most radical MiG-21 variant ever created, surely anew designation would have been in order if it were to be accepted into the PLAAF. Which brings me to my next point, I guess this project did not have PLAAF and was entirely a Chengdu projectwhich is why exports seemed to important to its success? Also are there any specifications for it available? And I guess it was not accepted into the PLAAF additionally because of the extreme lateness in development and far more promising aircraft had since been introduced?

Semi-Lobster said:

Is there any real difference between the J-7FS and the F-7MF other than the nose? Adn why did they not opt for a new designation? This is porbably the most radical MiG-21 variant ever created, surely anew designation would have been in order if it were to be accepted into the PLAAF. Which brings me to my next point, I guess this project did not have PLAAF and was entirely a Chengdu projectwhich is why exports seemed to important to its success? Also are there any specifications for it available? And I guess it was not accepted into the PLAAF additionally because of the extreme lateness in development and far more promising aircraft had since been introduced?

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The Soviet Union had a similar project called the Ye-8 which is the same plane you see down the page. This one actually flew. That was back in 1962. You can imagine the dent in history if this was allowed to reach operational service.

You're correct about the CAC vs. PLAAF part.

crobato said:

The Soviet Union had a similar project called the Ye-8 which is the same plane you see down the page. This one actually flew. That was back in 1962. You can imagine the dent in history if this was allowed to reach operational service.

You're correct about the CAC vs. PLAAF part.

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Well it seems this bass mouthed J-7FS also flew... or at least existed in a physical state (it seems the more advanced looking F-7MF never made it past the drawing board). The Ye-8 project would have at least given more space for a more powerful radar, history would certainly be different if that variant became the dominant version of the MiG-21! At least this was a good learing experience for Chengdu, even though it doesn't really say officially anywhere, this plane obviously helped pave the way for the FC-1. Hopefully it won't meet the same fate as its predescessor!

I know this is pretty old, but has any 'information' come out on the 'J-8T' mentioned on huitong's website? I've never heard of 'T' being used for any Chinese aircraft before.

Semi-Lobster said:

I know this is pretty old, but has any 'information' come out on the 'J-8T' mentioned on huitong's website? I've never heard of 'T' being used for any Chinese aircraft before.

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I think if you look through this thread, I posted something on it earlier, but nothing that informative, we really don't know much. i thought it was more of a reconaissance type of variant, but maybe not.

tphuang said:

I think if you look through this thread, I posted something on it earlier, but nothing that informative, we really don't know much. i thought it was more of a reconaissance type of variant, but maybe not.

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Another reconaissance variant? I thought the PLAAF had only recently introduced the JZ-8F?

Semi-Lobster said:

Another reconaissance variant? I thought the PLAAF had only recently introduced the JZ-8F?

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I don't know, there is just not that much information on it. And frankly, who cares, it's J-8.

tphuang said:

I don't know, there is just not that much information on it. And frankly, who cares, it's J-8.

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True but theres still some usefulness in a fast, high altitude aircraft, if not for combat (where it is still useful as 'missile truck'), then electronic warfare and intellligence. You are right though, which makes it all the more strange, why develop a new J-8II variant at all in the first place? Most people thought that the J-8F (and the rumoured J-8G) would be the penultimate J-8 variant.

If going up against AESA is suicide, why did South Korea forego the AESA option in their F15k's? Why does JSDF use their F2's for strike rather than air superiority?

I want to offer this additional explanation for all the different aircraft types. China has a ton of engineers who can't all be working on the same thing. The USA is actively developing half a dozen fighter types, many are for export. China has fewer exports but there is much room to update existing aircraft and make use of existing production capacities incorporating new technologies. That's why we see old types being continuously updated-there are simply tons of people and not all of them have better things to do.

ChinaSoldier said:

If going up against AESA is suicide, why did South Korea forego the AESA option in their F15k's? Why does JSDF use their F2's for strike rather than air superiority?

I want to offer this additional explanation for all the different aircraft types. China has a ton of engineers who can't all be working on the same thing. The USA is actively developing half a dozen fighter types, many are for export. China has fewer exports but there is much room to update existing aircraft and make use of existing production capacities incorporating new technologies. That's why we see old types being continuously updated-there are simply tons of people and not all of them have better things to do.

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Indeed, a lot of projects simply seem to be 'make-work' programs, AVIC may have been remerged but frankly, I see the same general research and development practices to continue. What I find interesting though is the continued research into developing improvements to the J-8II since they may be indicitive that the J-8H/Fs current niche as a large, high speed, high altitude and high endurance fighter aircraft is easier and still less expensive than the J-11. I still cannot figure out though what the 'T' in this latest J-8 variant could stand for though since as far as I know, it has never been used on another Chinese aircraft. What could it be? Another 'standardised' upgrade like the 'H'?