The Shenyang F-8 and J-8 is basically a very scaled up MiG-21. It bears a striking resemblance to the MiG Ye-162A 'Flipper'. First flight of the J-8 was made in July 1968, but was plagued with problems and never put into production. An all weather version, the J-8I was equally unsuccessful, but did lead to the J-8II. This aircraft first flew in 1984 and is much improved. It also relies on previous Soviet technology, incorporating features from the MiG-19 and MiG-23 as well as the MiG-21. The J-8II only has 30% commonality with the previous J-8I, as so much needed to be changed. While there has been a small production batch of J-8II's, it is not known for sure if they are in widespread service with the PLAAF.

The F-8II is simply an export version of the J-8II. Much Western technology has been incorporated into the cockpit and avionics of the aircraft to make it more appealing to foreign buyers. Following the 1989 Tianamen Square incident, the project was put on hold as many of the Chinese engineers were removed from the project. The purchase of Su-27 Flankers from Russia may well have spelt the death knell for what is now basically an 'F-4 generation' aircraft. However, like the F-7 (an incredibly updated MiG-21F from 1960), it is quite possible that this aircraft may yet prove to be just what the Chinese need.

If anyone has any recent information, including photos for this aircraft, I would be very pleased to hear from you.

   Typical of those kits built in the PRC, this one comes in a very sturdy cardboard box. There is a good painting of a prototype or demonstrator on the box top as well as the side panels. One photo of this aircraft is also included. Once you struggle with opening the box, you are confronted by a number of bagged sprues of grey plastic. One bag has the transparencies and the decal sheet in it. This kit even includes a stand, something I haven't seen in a long time in a kit. There is even a tube of glue included in the box, but it does not seem to be anywhere near enough to cement together all the parts that are included. The texture of the parts is somewhat 'pebbly', like some of the KP, OEZ, and SMER 1/48 kits.

Another bag includes the fuselage section (which was too large to fit entirely on the bed of my scanner). Also on this sprue are the interior, a rather odd looking seat, landing gear struts, wheels and other bits. The back side of all the parts have rather large holes and in some cases pegs created by the ejector pins. This includes the wheels and struts, so some work will be needed here. This is true of all the parts, with the exception of the single piece horizontal stabilizers and the underfuselage stabilizing fin. The wings and tail parts are on the next two sprues, both of these sprues are in one bag. 

After test fitting the fuselage and a few other pieces, I can tell you that the fit is quite good. The large locator pins do a good job and things are not misaligned. The panel lines run properly from one side of a part to the other with no or very little alignment problems as you can see in the accompanying image of the underside of the fuselage.

The next two bags contain identical sprues. This one included a plethora of underwing ordnance and various racks. There are rocket pods, regular bombs, three varieties of missile and drop tanks. One should have no problem equipping this aircraft for just about any scenario that one would wish.

Detailing on the kit is very good indeed. All of it is engraved and to a very high standard. As you can see from the image, it has been masterfully done. Equally up to the standards of the day. One does need to be aware that some of the sprue attachment points are not perfect and some care will be needed when removing the parts. I have not tried to test fit any parts so fit is unknown. The locator pins and holes are very large and it is a credit to AA that there are not a huge number of sink marks on the kit, though I did find a few very small ones.

Probably the biggest downfall of this kit is the instruction sheet. While it does give an 11 step pictorial construction sequence, there is absolutely no indication of colors for various parts. There is also no firm indication of where the various weapons loads should fit, a problem also with some of the smaller parts, nor is there any decal placement diagram. Since there is really very little information available on this aircraft, painting it will be a real challenge. There is some hope that an aftermarket decal sheet could become available, but I'm not holding my breath waiting for it.

As with the Trumpeter kit, my overall impression (sans the instruction sheet), is very positive. It looks like it will be a super kit to build. One thing is true, it will be quite large and equally as impressive. I can only hope that the other kits from AA are as well done and come with better instruction sheets.

Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft, edited by John Lake, 1994, Airtime Publishing

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet!! If any of you manufacturers or shop owners want to send products for review and building, please contact me.