Key Information

Summary

The HJ-8 is the second-generation ATGM developed by China. The system bears some resemblance to the Russian 9K111 Fagot (NATO reporting name: AT-4 Spigot), but with improved performance. The HJ-8 development began in 1970 and the weapon was certified for design finalisation in 1984. The missile entered service with the PLA in the late 1980s and has been deployed in three forms: man-portable, vehicle-mounted, and helicopter-mounted.

The HJ-8 is designed primarily to engage tanks and armoured vehicles in all-weather conditions, day/ night. It is a command to line of sight, semi-active homing, wire-guided missile launched from a tube launcher. The missile has a short, round body with a half-ball nose and foldable stabilising fins at missile’s tail. The missile has a maximum range of 3,000~4,000m. The early variants of the HJ-8 can penetrate armours of 800mm thick, while the later variants (HJ-8C/E) fitted with tandem warheads are claimed to be capable of penetrating armours of over 1,000mm.

The HJ-8 missile can be fired by infantrymen using a tripod, as well as from vehicles and helicopter. In the man-portable version, the missile launcher tube and fire-control sight mechanism are supported by a tripod. Although categorised as a portable weapon missile, the man-packed variant HJ-8 has to be operated by two men and is actually too heavy to be carried by soldiers over a long distance.

Foreign Users

The HJ-8 missile system was exported to Pakistan and United Arab Emirates in the 1990s. It was also produced in Pakistan under license as the Baktar Shikan. Some HJ-8 (or Baktar Shikan) missiles were handed over to the Bosnian Muslim forces against Serbia Army in the early 1990s. The combat results showed that the missile had no difficulty in penetrating the front armour of the Serbia’s M-84 main battle tank.

HJ-8A

The HJ-8 is an improved variant with a more powerful warhead and a modified rocket motor.

HJ-8C

This variant is fitted with an extended probe for piercing explosive reactive armour (ERA).

HJ-8E

This is the updated variant finalised for production in the mid-1990. The missile body is slightly longer to accommodate a new warhead and a modified motor to extend its range to 4,000m. The newly designed digitised fire control has increased the estimated hit accuracy to over 90%. The missile launcher is also fitted with the PTI-32 thermal image sight to replace the original IR sight for night combat.

HJ-8L

The HJ-8L is the latest upgraded variant with a lighter tripod launcher and greater armour piercing depth and all-weather combat ability. In response to the user feedback that the weapon’s tripod is too heavy for man-portable, the HJ-8L has a re-designed tripod which is lighter, and minimises the operator’s exposure to enemy fire. The HJ-8L’s launcher can also be used to fire all other variants of the HJ-8 missile. The "smart launcher" system is capable of automatically identifying the missile version and choose the correct firing/guidance mode. This variant is for export only , but did not enter production due to lack of buyer.

Specifications

Last updated: 28 September 2008