- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The J-8E, (or J-8IE) was a mid-life upgrade of the previous J-8A featuring the JL-7AG radar, ECM, and the KJ-8602B RWR to extends it’s service alongside the improved J-8II.
Knowing the limitations of the radar on the earlier J-8A, plans to mount a improved radar were put fourth and on August 22nd of 1991 approvement of the project was given. The original radar was replaced by a further modified version of the JL-7 radar found on the J-7C, the JL-7AG. This radar had a range of 28 kilometers and much better reliability.
Further improvements were also made when in October of 1992 electronic countermeasure equipment was supplemented into the plan, which saw the addition of the RKL204 and RKZ404E ECM equipment as well as KJ-8602B radar warning receiver.
The prototype J-8E made it’s maiden flight on the 24th of November, 1992, conducted by the 24th Air Division; And on July 12th of 1993 it successfully passed evaluation and entered service. It is stated that 24 to 28 of J-8A’s were converted into J-8E standard. As of now it is highly likely that all J-8’s are retired and were scrapped or serve as gate guards or museum monuments.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 1
Length - 21.52 m (With Pitot)
Height - 5.41 m
Wingspan - 9.344 m
Empty Weight - 9,298 kg
Gross Weight - 13,718 kg
Max Takeoff Weight - 16,900 kg
Powerplant - 2 x WP-7A Turbojet Engines (43.15 kN dry, 58.84 kN wet).
Max Speed - 2,332 km/h
Range - 1,580 km
Armament
2 x 23-3A Double Barrel 23mm Cannon (200 RPG)
4 x PL-5B AAM
4 x PL-2B AAM
4 x HF-7D Rocket Pods
4 x HF-25 Rocket Pods
500-3 500 kg Bombs
250-3 250 kg Bombs
Avionics
JL-7AG Radar
RKL204 ECM
RKZ404E ECM
KJ-8602B RWR
Type 941 flare/chaff dispenser. (I haven’t seen any physical evidence, please share if you find)
Images
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) Encyclopedia of Chinese Aircraft, vol.3
(Book) Chinese Aircraft China’s Aviation Industry Since 1951.
(Book) Dragons Wings Chinese Fighter and Bomber Aircraft Development