H-6 Bomber

H-6M

A PLA Naval Aviation H-6M bomber flying past at low altitude (Source: Chinese Internet)

During the 2002 Zhuhai Air Show, AIVC I (the parent company of XAC) broadcasted a video which briefly showed a new H-6 featuring four under-wing pylons in flight testing. Later it turned out to be a new naval variant H-6 designated H-6M. The new bomber was spotted in operational service with the PLA Naval Aviation Corps since 2005, possibly as a successor to the older H-6D introduced in the early 1980s.

Little detail on this new variant is available at this stage. Judging from the photos speculated on the Chinese Internet, the bomber has all of its original 23mm cannons removed. Four large pylons are fitted under the wings to carry four YJ-81 anti-ship missiles. If necessary, the bomber may also be able to carry the KD-88 land-attack cruise missile (LACM) for precision strike role.

H-6K

	An Internet-source photo showing the H-6K prototype '001', with an export name BC-1 painted on its vertical tail (Source: Chinese Internet)

The H-6K is the latest member of the H-6 bomber family first flying on 5 January 2007. This variant features some radical modifications, including six under-wing pylons to carry an unknown model air-launched land-attack cruise missile; two Russian-made D-30KP turbofan engines; a solid nose replacing the original framed glass-in nose; and a completely refurnished ‘glass’ cockpit featuring six large multifunctional displays (MFD). XAC hopes that these modifications would significantly improve the performance of the 40-year-old design, thus extending its service life well into the next decade.

Some Internet sources citing XAC internal reports claimed that the development of this new H-6 variant may begin in 2000 or even earlier. A blurry photo of the bomber taken shortly after its maiden flight has been speculating on Internet since late January. Despite its poor quality, the three mock-up cruise missiles carried under the right-wing of the aircraft and slightly larger engine intakes are clearly visible. A second Internet source photo, possibly a scan of an XAC or AVIC 1 newspaper, shows XAC engineers working in a modern airliner-style ‘glass’ cockpit with the unique H-6-style control yokes. A third Internet source photo shows an accurate model of the new H-6K bomber, possibly used by XAC for internal presentations.

	An Internet-source photo showing what appeared to be the roll-out ceremony of the H-6K at XAC (Source: cjdby.net)

The new H-6K bomber is reportedly powered by two Russian Aviadvigatel D-30KP turbofan engines, the same engine used by the Russian Il-76MD transport aircraft. The turbofan engine offers far greater thrust and better fuel efficiency compared to the ageing WP-8 turbojet engine used by previous variants of the H-6. These engines would provide the new H-6K with increased weapon payload and extended range. The internet source photo of the H-6K shows a slightly larger air intake, possibly to fit the requirements of the D-30KP engines. However, if this report is true, the future of the programme would completely depend on whether Russia is willing to supply the D-30KP engine since the Chinese aviation industry has yet been able to produce an engine of this class.

Internet source reported that the H-6K project was wholly funded by XAC without the PLA’s support. The situation with the Russian-made engines may cause some concern since traditionally the PLA does not like the idea of relying on foreign sources to provide key components for an indigenously developed weapon system. It is still too early to tell whether the PLA would finally adopt this design.

H-6 LV / Space Plane Carrier

	H-6A bomber '40672' of the PLAAF 36th Air Division carrying an unmanned space plane taxing on the runway (Source: cjdby.net)

In 2000, China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation (CASIC) began the preliminary study on an air-launched, all-solid-propellant, three-stage space launch vehicle (SLV) that can place a 50kg payload into earth orbits. During the 2006 Zhuhai Air Show, CASIC revealed a mock-up of its air-launched SLV, with a diagram showing the 13t SLV being launched from a H-6 platform at an altitude of 10,000m.

An Internet-source photo released in December 2007 revealed that a H-6A bomber ‘40672’ of the PLAAF 36th Air Division was involved in the test of a rocket-powered small unmanned space plane known as “ShenLong” (Divine Dragon). The project may be a part of the preliminary study for a future reusable unmanned or manned space shuttle or trans-atmospheric vehicle.