YJ-8
NATO: CSS-N-4 Sardine, Export: C-801
Overview
YJ-8
Early model YJ-8 with fixed wings and associated ribbed launcher on display during a military parade.
Source: Chinese internet -
© Copyright lies with original owner
1992 for YJ-8A
YJ-8 / YingJi-8
Chinese for "eagle strike 8"
C-801 (export designation)
Iran
Thailand
Description
The YJ-8 is an anti-ship missile of Chinese origin. It was developed as a more capable alternative to the larger and slower anti-ship missiles in Chinese service. The design is patterned after, but not a direct copy of, the French MM38 Exocet missile. The YJ-8 is a sea skimming anti-ship missile with active radar homing in the terminal phase. The solid propellant rocket motor makes the YJ-8 less difficult to operate and much smaller than the Chinese models of the P-15 Termit. This allows for more missiles to be carried on ships.
The air launched YJ-81 and submarine launched YJ-82 are based on the design of the YJ-8. The more capable YJ-83 is used on the latest generation of Chinese surface vessels.
Variants of the YJ-8
Details
Media
YJ-8A
YJ-8A subsonic anti-ship missile launched from a Type-037-IG (NATO: Houxin) class missile boat.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
YJ-8
YJ-8 subsonic anti-ship missile upon launch.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
YJ-8A
YJ-8A subsonic anti-ship missile upon launch.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Platforms
(Note: incomplete list)
Type-052 class
Destroyer with 2x4 YJ-8A. Later replaced by 4x4 YJ-83.
Type-053H3 class
Frigate with 2x3 YJ-8A. Late ships in class fitted with YJ-83.
Related articles
YJ-83
China developed the longer range and more capable YJ-83 as the successor to the YJ-8A.
MM38 Exocet
The YJ-8 has a similar design pattern as the French MM38 Exocet anti-ship missile.