Eagle Dynamics has announced third-party developer Deka Ironwork Simulations is working on the DCS: J-8II.

The Chinese-built medium-range fighter features a large radar and an upgraded power plant using two WP-13B turbojet engines. The J-8II can carry medium-range air-to-air missiles and fly Mach 2.2 at an altitude of 12,000 meters (3,9000ft).

The upgraded J-8II by Grumman (J-8PP) was fitted with APG-66(V) radar, 1553B data bus, and other western devices. For the first time, the 1553 data bus concept was introduced to the Chinese aviation industry. To launch and guide Aspide/PL-11 medium-range missiles, a Chinese-made continuous wave emitter was installed to work with the APG-66(V) radar. The J-8PP can perform medium-range interception against low-altitude/high-speed and high-altitude/high-speed intruders. It also has limited ground attack capability.

The DCS: J-8II module is based on three years of research and will include the flyable J-8PP and the AI J-8F.

Key features include:

• 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.