franco-russe
Senior Member
Yes, of course. GR4 = fighter-bomber, or really light bomber (like JH-7A).
The Q-5, J-7, J-8 and older PLAAF aircraft
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Yes, of course. GR4 = fighter-bomber, or really light bomber (like JH-7A).
SinoSoldier
Colonel
The J-8 have been upgraded to BVR aircraft. They are seen with PL-12s as well. There was also a Global Security report that puts the J-8 approximately on par with the F-16C, Mirage 2000, and F/A-18.
But surely at best only in BVR-combat ... at close range WVR it can't be "on par".
Hyperwarp
Captain
Close. The US tested the J-8II in the mid eighties and the turning radius was not much better than DC-9 it seems
And even in BVR, the RADAR performance and countermeasures matter.
Hyperwarp
Captain
Indeed. Size of the fins suggest PL-11. Could be J-8IIH or J-8IIF
Quickie
Colonel
Close. The US tested the J-8II in the mid eighties and the turning radius was not much better than DC-9 it seems
Is that just propaganda or someone just made that up just for the fun of it? Wikipedia has the climb rate of the J-8 at 200 m/s. What's the climb rate of a DC-9? From this spec, at least we can make an estimation of the turn rate of both aircrafts.
Hyperwarp
Captain
It was a J-8II which was up for an upgrade (cancelled Peace Pearl project) that was tested by the US. Said to be quit fast but that was it. Turn rates (instantaneous/sustained) were said to be extremely poor. Even the old JH-7 is said beat it in a dogfight. The DC-9 comment was probably a more of "poking fun" thing. But, other than a quick BVR battle you probably don't want to get in to a dirty dogfight flying a J-8II.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
Interestingly, FAS mentions that its low altitude maneuverability is slightly superior to the F/A-18 and Mirage 2000 5