Saw this recently
I'd be surprised if China isn't doing something similar. I think GJ-11 is the first modern UCAV that China has. As in, it is a very stealth looking design that uses a modern turbofan engine and hold real payload that can do quite a bit of damage. By the time H-20 is ready to join service, I think we will have follow-on class to GJ-11 that will have longer range and carry more payload. They need to keep make sure their turbofan engine production is high enough so that even UAV/UCAVs can use them. Most of their UAV/UCAVs are still using rocket motors, turbojet, turboprop or piston engines. They are like after thought.
Allowing H-20 to control a host of larger stealth UCAVs will multiply the power/effectiveness of H-20. Some of the UCAVs could be used to conduct electronic warfare, other UCAVs can carry ARMs or stand off missiles or PGMs. And maybe you pair all of that with a few J-20s for escort. Maybe have a few refueling drones there also. That's the best way you can hit far away target.
H-20 is likely to have lower specs in both range and payload vs B-21. But it should have comparable requirement for stealth (at least in the same vicinity as B-2) and electronics. As such, the range requirement for accompanying UCAVs would also be lower than their American counterpart.
The ideal drone bomber would be a fly wing design that uses 1 or 2 turbofan engine (ideally high by pass one like WS-20) that can have combat radius of 4000 km and at least 3t of payload (can carry either 12 250 kg PGM or 4 ARMs).
I'd be surprised if China isn't doing something similar. I think GJ-11 is the first modern UCAV that China has. As in, it is a very stealth looking design that uses a modern turbofan engine and hold real payload that can do quite a bit of damage. By the time H-20 is ready to join service, I think we will have follow-on class to GJ-11 that will have longer range and carry more payload. They need to keep make sure their turbofan engine production is high enough so that even UAV/UCAVs can use them. Most of their UAV/UCAVs are still using rocket motors, turbojet, turboprop or piston engines. They are like after thought.
Allowing H-20 to control a host of larger stealth UCAVs will multiply the power/effectiveness of H-20. Some of the UCAVs could be used to conduct electronic warfare, other UCAVs can carry ARMs or stand off missiles or PGMs. And maybe you pair all of that with a few J-20s for escort. Maybe have a few refueling drones there also. That's the best way you can hit far away target.
H-20 is likely to have lower specs in both range and payload vs B-21. But it should have comparable requirement for stealth (at least in the same vicinity as B-2) and electronics. As such, the range requirement for accompanying UCAVs would also be lower than their American counterpart.
The ideal drone bomber would be a fly wing design that uses 1 or 2 turbofan engine (ideally high by pass one like WS-20) that can have combat radius of 4000 km and at least 3t of payload (can carry either 12 250 kg PGM or 4 ARMs).
