I can't find Erwin on IM,so post this new description here.
And, a new J-7E is coming soon.
J-8II and J-10 are under working also.
So,maybe some time we can have a new category of Chinese Aircraft
J-8 (Jian Ji 8) / F-8 (Fighter Type 8)
The J-8 was the first PLAAF aircraft of domestic design, with design work beginning in 1964, as a low risk backup project for the entirely new beast J-9. The overall configuration is a rather straightforward enlargement of the MiG-21/J-7 layout to accommodate two engines. Although it resembled Mikoyan's experimental Ye-152A, contrary to some early reports, it was not based on that aircraft. In fact, not like most people thought, it was designed to be an air superiority fighter instead of an interceptor. Production began in December 1979, with about 100-150 units of the first configuration entering service. Because the delay of research work, first block of J-8 have to use the old 30mm type 30-1 cannon and a radar ranger, with old Mig-21F-13 type windshield. They are called J-8(day type).Then the improved version came with 23mm type 23-2 cannon (Gsh23) and a new radar, with J-7II type new windshield. They then are called J-8I (day and night type, today the remained units are Middle Life Upgraded with name J-8E). Design work on the deeply improved J-8II began in 1980, with production beginning in the late 1980. As with the cancelled "Super 7" upgrade to the single-engine J-7, the J-8II completely reworks the front end of the aircraft, adding much larger radar and ventral air inlets, along with various other less pronounced improvements. Also, another upgrade project is known as ‘Pearl Peace’ with USA, using avionics of F-16. The best that can be said of the J-8 series is that it is the best second generation fighter of the world, but was born too late. When he is mass produced, many other second generation fighters are retired and even some third generation fighters are stopped production. But, whatever, it’s a great achievement for China.