The air formations of the September 3rd military parade will feature a variety of domestically advanced aircraft, including the H-6N bomber of the Chinese Air Force. In terms of performance, the H-6N is currently the most advanced bomber in the Chinese Air Force's inventory, as it is developed based on the H-6K bomber.
As is well known, the H-6K made significant design changes to address the shortcomings of the early H-6, and thus the H-6K has actually become a completely new aerial platform. Moreover, with a significant improvement in overall performance, especially in the automation and informatization of the avionics system, the crew of the H-6K has been reduced from 6 people to 3 people.
The power unit of the H-6K is two Russian-made D-30KP2 turbofan engines, which have greatly improved flight performance, bomb carrying capacity, and range. With the support of the simulated fly-by-wire control system, the overall flight quality and maneuverability have been significantly improved, with the maximum range reaching 8,000 kilometers.
With the significant increase in engine thrust, the bomb-carrying capability of the H-6K has also seen a notable improvement. In addition to retaining the original belly bomb bay, the wing structure was reinforced to enhance the weapon mounting capability. For this reason, the H-6K has installed three heavy-duty pylon mounts under each wing, capable of carrying heavy munitions.
The H-6N, as an improved development of the H-6K, primarily aims to carry large airborne missiles or large drones, further enhancing long-range strike capabilities and other multi-mission capabilities. Major improvements of the H-6N include: first, while further strengthening the airframe structure, the belly internal bomb bay was removed, the original bomb bay door was completely sealed, and the interior was converted into a fuel tank. A multi-point heavy pylon was redesigned under the belly to meet the needs of carrying large missiles or drones.
At the same time, the H-6N still retains the six wing pylons of the H-6K. Second, an refueling probe was added to the nose, enabling mid-air refueling. This way, the H-6N's range can easily exceed 10,000 kilometers, and its operational radius naturally increases significantly. Especially when fully loaded with weapons, the H-6N can attack the so-called "Second Island Chain" after one mid-air refueling. If it undergoes two mid-air refuelings, it can strike even more distant targets. This powerful long-range strike capability is not available for the H-6K.
In other words, the H-6N has actually become a true strategic bomber. Third, the avionics system of the H-6N has undergone new improvements. The most important one is changing the analog fly-by-wire control system of the H-6K to a full digital redundant fly-by-wire control system. This not only reduces the weight of the entire control system equipment but also significantly improves the flight quality of the H-6N, ensuring flight safety and stability when carrying bombs.
It also further enhances satellite communication and data link capabilities; improves the onboard fire control system and self-defense electronic countermeasure system, etc. Fourth, the engine was replaced with a domestically produced turbofan engine, with increased thrust and higher fuel efficiency, which also increases the H-6N's range and payload capacity to some extent.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1841945963051020/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.