Hongjian
Posts: 834
Joined: 1/2/2015 Status: offline
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Request to add more weapon options to the aircraft stores of the #1731 H-6K Badger [God of War]: 500KG GP-Bombs, FAB-500 and YJ-12 AShM, also increase its payload to 15 tons. The recent Changchun Airshow in China, the PLAAF has revealed the H-6K bomber and part of its arsenal: ^We can see that it still can carry GP bombs (500kg low drag GP bombs, as well as 500kg "Russian Styled" FAB-500 copies), so it means that its bomb-bay isnt eliminated, as previously thought. Here, in another photo showing the H-6K preparing for an excercise in the West Pacific, we see that the internal bay still exists: Additionally, the Changchun Airshow's H-6K display shows this interesting placard: ^Placard says that the H-6K is used for anti-surface/ground strike/对地, anti-ship strike/海 and even Close Air Support/"近距离空中火力支援" literally; "close-distance aerial fire support" (!). Previously, it was assumed that the H-6K was only a strategic ALCM carrier, and not a tactical bomber capable of fulfilling anti-ship and close ground support missions. Now, we have seen those GP bombs, and it is possible that the H-6K could also carry those new LS-series of GPS/BDS guided bombs for CAS - but what weapons would it use for anti-shipping? In any case, no AShMs were displayed here, despite the placard confirming that the bomber is to be used for anti-shipping missions. Coincidentially, the latest PLAAF air-excercise in the West Pacific actually involved the H-6K. While the H-6K was unarmed on that excercise, a Chinese state-media report 'inofficially' confirmed that the H-6K is to be carrying YJ-12s to literally "attack carrier groups". So, while we still have yet to see any photographic evidence that the H-6K carries the YJ-12, state-media reports and the PLAAF released information is heavily pointing to that direction. Additionally, Jane's also believed that the H-6K can carry YJ-12 AShMs: http://www.janes.com/article/60277/chinese-h-6k-bomber-flies-over-fiery-cross-reef-in-south-china-sea This would give some credence to this old chart published in an years-old issue from the semi-official chinese naval and air weapon knowledge magazine, showing the diverse loadout options for this bomber. ^weight wise, it would be credible that the H-6K could potentially carry six YJ-12 AShM: Even though the DB3000 entry shows that it is a 3000kg missile, most chinese sources quote a weight 2000 to 2500kg - considering that the missile is 6.5m long compared to the 3000kg and 8,9 BrahMos and 4000kg 9,39m P-270 Moskit, the much smaller YJ-12's real weight should be around the 2000+kg ballpark. Considering that the H-6K is modernized with lighter composites and subsystems, as well as a more powerful efficient WS-18/D-30KP-2 engine, the payload has also be raised from 13tons to 15 tons, as official PLA sources say: http://english.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/china-military-news/2016-06/06/content_7087946.htm quote:
The H-6K bombers boast low fuel consumption and lightweight engines, with a targeted redesign performed on the inlet. The significantly increased air intake of their engines boosts the thrust by 30 percent, while cutting down on fuel consumption by 20 percent. The H-6K has hardpoints under its wings, which can carry six cruise missiles and a maximum payload of up to 15 tons, effectively improving the attack capability of the aircraft.
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