The limited range and weapon payload of the H-6K was exposed during joint patrol with the Russian Air Force, indicating that it was not a strategic bomber.
The joint patrol between Chinese and Russian bombers exposed the limitations of the H-6K bomber. This may hamper Beijing's ambitions to reach out to the Western Pacific.
The Russian Defense Ministry said four Chinese H-6K bombers and two Russian Tu-95s were on joint patrol in the Western Pacific on December 22.
This is the second joint patrol by the Russian-Chinese Air Force and the method of the patrol has shown the limitations of the H-6K's capabilities. On both joint patrols, Tu-95 bombers flew from Russia to the waters of Japan and East China, then joined forces with H-6K jets to take off from China.
The patrol area only encapsulates the Sea of Japan and East China without going any further, as the H-6K has no aerial refueling capabilities, except for the H-6N version. This is a major shortcoming that limits the capabilities of the Chinese long-range air force.
The PLAAF has around 160-180 H-6K bombers - its most modern main bomber. The H-6K has a range of about 6,000 km, far below the Russian and American bombers.
The main wing of the H-6K can withstand a load of 160 kg / m2. Meanwhile, the Russian Tu-95 bomber has a range of about 15,000 km and its main wing can withstand loads up to 606 kg / m2.
Russia's Tu-160 strategic bomber has a range of about 12,300 km. Its main wing can bear a load of 742 kg / m2. The American B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bomber has a range of about 9,400 km, the wing load capacity is 820 kg / m2.
Jon Grevatt, a fighter jet expert at the Janes defense magazine, said that the range and payload limitations would reduce the strength of the long-range Chinese air force.
“The H-6 is based on a very old Russian bomber called the Tu-16, introduced in the 1950s. Although China has updated some new technologies, it basically remains. is a very outdated design, ”said Mr. Grevatt.
“Chinese bombers cannot fly long without refueling. It also cannot carry the payload of weapons like American and Russian aircraft, ”he added.
Song Zhongping, a former Chinese team officer, admits the lack of stealth makes it difficult for Chinese bombers to penetrate enemy air defenses. It also cannot be considered a long-distance strategic bomber.
Beijing is developing the H-20 stealth strategic bomber to compensate for shortcomings in the long-range strategic air force.