Deka we haven't heard from you much.

[Torbernite]

 

I don’t know much about the numbering system of the PLAAF or PLAN, but could this be the last four digits of a bort number? Past or present?

Now we know it's the completion of J-8 first prototype. However, the prototype looks like a 2-engine powered big MiG21 with some inconspicuous improvements such as the airfoil profile, and not similar to our J-8II, especially the frontal parts. (However, the larger cone and lateral inlets were already designed before the Peace Pearl Project.)

The J-8PP we would get as full fidelity module is Peace Pearl Project improved subtype and this project ended in early 1990s due to the political issues between China and America, no actual plane produced. Maybe that's why Deka can make this module (the J-8F with PL-12 and modern AG weapons only comes as AI-only plane).

In fact, this module may be a slightly "what if" product. Aspides were delivered to China after the end of PP project (although the introduction of aspides were decided before that), and tests were finished during late 1990s and early 2000s on different subtypes with Chinese radar and CWI, so it's not very clear whether PP project would include aspides. With the western FCC and 1553B data bus, this should be possible and not very difficult.

The history of PP project is very unclear, because the American participators tend to downplay their parts after the end of the project due to the following strict official prohibition. It will be of great value if deka could get access to some documents from this side in China.