Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
Another reconaissance variant? I thought the PLAAF had only recently introduced the JZ-8F?
Let's talk about the J-8II
- Thread starter F40Racer
- Start date
Another reconaissance variant? I thought the PLAAF had only recently introduced the JZ-8F?
I don't know, there is just not that much information on it. And frankly, who cares, it's J-8.
Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
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.
ChinaSoldier
New Member
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.
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.
Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
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.
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'?
ChinaSoldier
New Member
I have heard the T stands for 特, or special. If not for reconnaissance it could be an ASAT or anti-AWACS mission. The J8 is the fastest refuel-capable fighter in PLAAF. The J8T might be designed to refuel right before making a high speed dash at the target.
Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
The J-8 is certainly the best platform for those roles, and with, most likely another series of upgrades, it could perform the mission pretty well. I guess that is why the WP-14 is still getting a lot of coverage even though most countries no longer use turbojet engine aircraft. Also perhaps this is related to that new, unidentifed missile seen being carried by the J-11 recently.
A.man, i will start deleting your posts if you keep on posting cctv links without talking about what's discussed on there. We have many non-mandarin speakers on this forum who will not be able to understand.