Theoretically it should be possible to carry one on the centerline as well right?
H-6 Bomber Aircraft Discussions
- Thread starter F40Racer
- Start date
The new H-6N has a recessed strengthened centreline. I reckon they could fit one or two YJ-12s in there down the centreline.
The footprint diameter of YJ-12 includes its fins/wingspan -- whether that would enable carriage of one on the centreline is up for debate, because that centreline station for H-6N is for a air launched ballistics or hypersonic glide vehicles where the main missile body has a smoother more constant contour and diameter.
In any case, YJ-12 is somewhat of an older missile anyhow, and is not considered high end these days.
Is there a bigger air-launched cruise missile in Chinese arsenal that is longer-ranged or faster then the YJ-12? Like say a Brahmos equivalent or something even better?
In terms of weight, I think YJ-12 and Brahmos are in the same class.
And the answer to the question, which we know of, is no.
This is a rather good post on H-6
I do find it interesting here that he says a possible JL-2 firing from the NorthEast can cover most of North America. That would be like 8000km+ range.
H-6K to H-6J have 8000-8500km range with 6-8 ton payload. H-6N can have even longer range with refueling.
H-6J can presumably carry YJ-17/19 type of weapons in the future.
H-6 family also have much higher missions rate. I remember patch put it in the 80s. But at least here they put it far ahead of B-52 here.
According to him, H-6 family can get ready more than 150 bombers in short notice.