A license copy of the Antonov An-12 “Cub”, the Y-8 is used for many roles in Chinese service. Production started in the late 1960s and continues today; more than 125 have now been built plus additional examples for export and civilian (Y-8B & Y-8F100) use. The original design had a twin NR-23 gun in a manned tail turret; this is not included on the civilian versions, the specialized versions described below, nor recent examples of the military cargo version.

A columned antenna dome, larger than normal Y-8C, is under ELINT Y-8's nose, which looks like a copy of EP-3E's OE-319 "Big Eye" surveillance radar. It is said that the project of ELINT Y-8 had a relation with the EB-3's forced landing on Lingshui Airport, Hainan Province. It is interesting that a similar yellow colored antenna on the Y-8 AEW is also seen on the ELINT Y-8's nose. Their function is perhaps gathering intelligence. A satellite communication antenna is on the root of vertical tail. Above the cockpit, there is another antenna dome which is perhaps a datalink. In order to keep a better condition for the crew and devices, the cargo door was sealed. Now there are two ELINT Y-8 (No. 9352 and 9361) in the PLA Navy Northern Fleet.

Original Author: Jason W. Henson, http://www.globalsecurity.org/