Supercruise is often thought of as a new technology for fighters like F/A-22 or mabey Typhoon, so it might seem odd to ask if an "old" and "low-tech" fighter like J-8 can supercruise. However, it is actually easier to make a supercruising turbojet aircraft than it is to make a supercruising turbofan aircraft as turbojets often have a better dry thrust/weight ratio and thrust decreases less with high speeds. Also, some old jets like F-104 and English Electric Lighting could go above mach 1 while in a "clean" configuration, though thier performance is really more transonic than supersonic.
J-8 has significantly better thrust/weight ratio than the f-104 or the EEL, especially the versions with newer engines. The newest f-8 engines (Kunlun II aka WP-14b) are said to be the most advanced turbojets in the world, though that is a somwhat dubious distinction now that almost all aircraft are powered by turbofans. So I was wondering, how fast can J-8 go without using afterburners? Can J-8 supercruise?
J-8 has significantly better thrust/weight ratio than the f-104 or the EEL, especially the versions with newer engines. The newest f-8 engines (Kunlun II aka WP-14b) are said to be the most advanced turbojets in the world, though that is a somwhat dubious distinction now that almost all aircraft are powered by turbofans. So I was wondering, how fast can J-8 go without using afterburners? Can J-8 supercruise?