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However, Chinese bombers have limited range and payload compared to Russian bombers, and analysts say this contrast represents true Chinese air capabilities, according to the report. leaves South China morning post.
The PLAAF is estimated to have 160-180 H-6 bombers and is one of the most advanced in the country. The H-6 has a range of 6,000 km and a wing loading of 160 kg / m2.
A weak point of the range is that in the H-6 versions only the H-6N is capable of refueling in the air. Meanwhile, the Russian Tu-95 is a strategic bomber and can be armed with missiles with a range of 15,000 km and a payload on the wings of 606 kg / m2.
Chinese H-6 bombers during exercises with the Russian Air Force on December 22, 2020 Ministry of Defense of Japan |
In addition to the H-6, China is developing the H-20 with a stealth bomber design that can achieve subsonic sound speeds (1,235 km / h). The H-20 is designed to carry four supersonic cruise missiles (estimated range 8,500 km) and a payload of 45 tons.
Jon Grevatt, expert on national defense magazines IHS Jane’s (UK) assessment: “The H-6 design is based on the Soviet Tu-16 Badger bomber dating from the 1950s. Although China updated the H-6, it is still fundamentally a design. very old design ”.
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Joint Exercises of the Russian and Chinese Air Force, December 22, 2020 – Source: Russian Defense Ministry |
Also, Chinese bombers cannot fly as far without refueling and cannot carry heavy loads like Russian and American bombers. This reduces China’s ability to display military might or long-range operations, ”Grevatt noted.
Russian Tu-95 bomber in exercises with the Chinese Air Force on December 22, 2020 Ministry of Defense of Japan |
According to a photo taken by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, China has deployed the H-6K version with eight pylons under the wings instead of the usual six pylons of the H-6 family.
Military commentator Tong Trung in Hong Kong said that two pylons near the wingtip could be used to carry light weapons such as electronic jammers and the other six could carry bombs or heavy missiles. what.
Electronic aerial jammers are designed to fool radar, probe, or other electronic systems.
However, Chinese bombers lack stealth, making it difficult to penetrate enemy defenses. “The H-6 cannot be considered a true long-range strategic bomber,” added Tong.
China and Russia conducted the first joint air drill in the Asia-Pacific region in July 2019, prompting the South Korean side to launch fighter jets, firing hundreds of warning shots and strong opposition from the Japanese side.
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