Military aviation enthusiasts should look forward to a new interceptor, the Shenyang J-8II, making its way to the DCS platform.
Manufactured by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation in the 1980s, the J-8II (NATO codename: Finback-B) started development in 1982 and consisted of a substantial redevelopment of the original J-8 interceptor. The aircraft’s redevelopments were based on incorporating many design elements embodied in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, among others. As much as 70% of the original aircraft was redesigned, with the aircraft’s nose air intake and shock cone replaced by a traditional radome, one of the most noticeable design changes.
The J-8II Finback-B entered production towards the end of 1984 and saw introduction to service in October 1988. Further modifications were subsequently undertaken, and the United States even, at one point, considered upgrading the aircraft, to be labeled the J-8PP, with U.S.-made avionics, ejection seats, and possibly U.S. engines. In part due to the political unrest however, this modification program was eventually canceled.
DCS developer Eagle Dynamics has announced that Deka Ironwork Simulations are currently in the process of developing China’s Shenyang J-8II for the platform. The developer has indicated that the package will include both the J-8PP and AI J-8F versions of the airframe. The former represents the U.S.-upgraded airframe version that never went into service. In addition to featuring an accurate external representation of this unique interceptor aircraft, the J-8PP version of the airframe is advertised to feature an AN/APG-66V-PRC-F8 radar system, a Westinghouse Fire Control Computer, an LN-39 INS, a GEC Air Data Computer, and both accurately modeled guided Air-to-Air and unguided missiles and bombs.
Although having yet to provide details on pricing or a potential future release date, you can be assured that we will keep you updated should any additional information become available. You can check the original blog post on DCS’ newsletter page.
Feature List
- AN/APG-66V-PRC-F8 radar with NAM, STT, ACM, GM, and AGR modes
- AWG-27 for loadout management
- Fire Control Computer from Westinghouse
- LN-39 INS
- HUD from GEC
- Head Down Display from Honeywell
- Air Data Computer (CPU-140/A) from GEC
- Radar Warning Receiver SPJ/IFF
- 2 x WP-13B turbojet engines
- Air-to-Air missiles: Aspide/PL-11, PL-8 and PL-5
- Unguided weapons: 250kg GP bombs and 57mm/90mm rockets
