H-6 Bomber Aircraft Discussions

Semi-Lobster

Semi-Lobster

Junior Member
From my perspective they more or less are indeed long range cruise missile platforms. In terms of overall payload the H-6 has the same total payload as the JH-7, 9000kg IIRC (ignoring what that payload is). The H-6K will excel in its only real role, a flying cruise missile platform. Also I don't even think there ARE any other tactical bombers other than the H-6 anymore are there any still in active service?
 
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antiterror13

Brigadier
The quality of airframe is extremely good, much better than the previous ones. It seems China has reach advanced level or world class in manufacturing.

How about the engine, when will China successfully develop the engine for this baby, or perhaps will still continuing using D-30KP turbofan engines
 
Blitzo

Blitzo

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
I do hope the H-6K can carry all the new Chinese PGMs... that along with the pretty capable airframe and good loiter period could provide precision CAS like USAF B-52s.
Could that be why it has an EO ball? To identify targets for PGMs (LT, FT, LS-6 type)? It's obviously not got nothing to do with the primary task of launching of cruise missiles (considering they'd be launched waaaay beyond visual range of targets), and the other option I can think of is just general surveillance/patrol duties...
 
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Roger604

Roger604

Senior Member
Does de-classifying H-6K mean that PLA expects WS-18 to come into service soon? In other words, the D-30KP are no longer so scarce that they can only be used for AWACS. An offensive platform like H-6K would only be funded by the PLA after more important missions like air defense (AWACS) are already achieved.
 
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Skywatcher

Captain
Semi-Lobster said:
From my perspective they more or less are indeed long range cruise missile platforms. In terms of overall payload the H-6 has the same total payload as the JH-7, 9000kg IIRC (ignoring what that payload is). The H-6K will excel in its only real role, a flying cruise missile platform. Also I don't even think there ARE any other tactical bombers other than the H-6 anymore are there any still in active service?
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I imagine that they probably improved the 9 ton payload (which is the original Tu-16 spec) by strengthening the airframe and reducing weights in certain areas (maybe even up to 12-16 tons). Of course, that doesn't mean you want to fly a H-6K with 16 tons of ordnance anymore than you would put 9-10 tons onto a JH-7A (it'll eat up range and probably muck around with speed too).
 
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sealordlawrence

Junior Member
»Ø¸´: H-6 Bomber Aircraft Discussions

thpuang,

Cruise missile carrier was my first thought when this variant appeared, but the remarkable array of sensors, comms systems and defensive aids suit suggest it has a penetration role. We can also see the bomb bay doors open suggesting that more than just the underwing ALCM hard points are used for ordnance (rotary launcher?). As for IFR, the H-6 had fairly long legs to start with and the DK30 turbofans should have done wonders for it.
 
MwRYum

MwRYum

Major
Re: »Ø¸´: H-6 Bomber Aircraft Discussions

sealordlawrence said:
thpuang,

Cruise missile carrier was my first thought when this variant appeared, but the remarkable array of sensors, comms systems and defensive aids suit suggest it has a penetration role. We can also see the bomb bay doors open suggesting that more than just the underwing ALCM hard points are used for ordnance (rotary launcher?). As for IFR, the H-6 had fairly long legs to start with and the DK30 turbofans should have done wonders for it.
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Unless this latest variant of H-6 have a widened body with increased internal volume, that's not that likely....below is the H-6 exhibit at the Beijing aerospace museum, new exhibition hall completed in 2009.

168hyf.jpg

170t.jpg

171ix.jpg


You can see especially from the 3rd pic, it'd have room for one cruise missile, and not likely for rotary rack for bombs as well, just too cramp for one, especially once you add in the racks.
 
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i.e.

Senior Member
Bltizo said:
I do hope the H-6K can carry all the new Chinese PGMs... that along with the pretty capable airframe and good loiter period could provide precision CAS like USAF B-52s.
Could that be why it has an EO ball? To identify targets for PGMs (LT, FT, LS-6 type)? It's obviously not got nothing to do with the primary task of launching of cruise missiles (considering they'd be launched waaaay beyond visual range of targets), and the other option I can think of is just general surveillance/patrol duties...
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Ok

I am going way out on a limb here.

Could this be a ASW-Maritime patrol bomber mod for the H-6?????
I mean this thing is stuff with way more sensor than necessary as a Cruise Missile platform.

for Standoff strike missions the datalink in the back belly, and some jammer penetration aid would be enough, no need for this elaborate level of gear.

I do not see a scenario where PLA need some thing that can safely loiter for hours and drop PGMs on top of people to support a landwar.

The D-30KP gave it good range... prob structure mode lightened the weight too.

It wouldn't a bad ASW platform if they really tried to make this into one.
 
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Blitzo

Blitzo

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
i.e. said:
Ok

I am going way out on a limb here.

Could this be a ASW-Maritime patrol bomber mod for the H-6?????
I mean this thing is stuff with way more sensor than necessary as a Cruise Missile platform.

for Standoff strike missions the datalink in the back belly, and some jammer penetration aid would be enough, no need for this elaborate level of gear.

I do not see a scenario where PLA need some thing that can safely loiter for hours and drop PGMs on top of people to support a landwar.

The D-30KP gave it good range... prob structure mode lightened the weight too.

It wouldn't a bad ASW platform if they really tried to make this into one.
Click to expand...

It's very possible and not a bad idea, considering the PLA does not have many MPA/ASW planes in the first place, and an H-6 could potentially fill both the cruise missile and the ASW role... but I'm not sure if there's enough space inside for all the dedicated avionics and work stations for MPA. And it's missing the hallmarks of an ASW platform, a MAD or provisions anddropping sonobuoys.
 
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