Bomber Xian H-6. A photo. History. Characteristics.

It's no secret that aviation technology with timely upgrades and repairs can prisluzhit for a long period of time. In addition, prolonged use contributes to the creation of new modifications and the use of modernization potential. A striking example of this appears Bomber T-16, which was established in the early 50-ies. An even more interesting example - bomber Xian H-6, who played a copy of the T-16.

As is known, the first H-6 was built at the end of 60-ies., But the planes of this type, and to this day refer to China's long-range aviation.

History of Xian H-6

In September 1957, Beijing received a license to manufacture the Soviet Tu-16. In 1959 2, China has received the reference aircraft, among which was one bomber exploded and one assembly kit. Chinese companies spent on assembling the first little more than two months. Their first Tu-16 flew 27 September 1957 of documentation Tu-17 listed as H-6.

At the end of 50-ies. because the heated Sino-Soviet relations suffered the fate of many projects. For example, China has ceased to be used in the aircraft industry experience of Soviet scientists. But be that as it may, the PLA Air Force demanded of modern long-range bombers. As a result, the company Xian Aircraft Company in the early 60-X took up the development of the project, which would allow the home to create a similar technique. The designers carefully studied the Soviet Tu-16 and were preparing for the future construction.

Approximately in 1964, the designers of the company began to develop the first aircraft. The model was already somewhat different name of H-6. The new bomber of the Chinese assembly was a slightly modified version of the Soviet Tu-16, which was based on components made in China. China, in view of the inability to purchase Soviet parts, had to launch its own production of Xian WP8 turbojet engines. These engines were an analogue of the Soviet RD-3M, which were successfully used on the Tu-16. In exactly the same way it was with other aggregates and nodes.

At the end of the year 1968 the sky rose the first H-6A built on Chinese components. Very soon began mass production of a new type of bomber. Official data on production there. According to various estimates, the company HAS to the middle or end of 70-ies. It managed to build up from the 150 200 aircraft. In the future, much of this equipment is regularly being upgraded and to this day has been used successfully in the Chinese Air Force.

Chinese bomber due to a special "origin" in its characteristics almost indistinguishable from the Soviet prototype. Its area is - 167,55 m², Wingspan - 34,2 m, length - 34,8 m Empty weight -. 38,5 tons takeoff weight - 72 m (maximum - 75,8 t). As for the fuel tanks, they can accommodate up to 33 tons of kerosene and were in the fuselage and wing. Bomber Maximum speed - up to 990 km / h, obesechivalas by two turbojet engines WP8, having thrust in 93,1 kN. Range H 6A -. to 4,3 thousand km, service ceiling - 12 km. Combat radius - 1800 km.

Crew Xian H-6A - 6 people. For self-defense bomber was equipped with seven automatic guns (caliber - 23 mm). They were in pairs on remotely controlled turrets on the lower and upper parts of the fuselage and the tail. Moreover, the exchange rate is one gun was installed in the nose. The first modified aircraft were bombing only weapons. Moreover, the normal load was 3 thousand kg, while the maximum -. 9 thousand kg.. Initially the armament consisted exclusively of svobodnopadayuschih conventional bombs, and in the future aircraft carriers began to speak of nuclear bombs.

Also, characteristics similar to the parameters of the Tu-16 was due to their almost identical technical appearance. So, Xian H-6 fuselage had a large extension with two crew cabins (aft and bow), fuel tanks, and gruzootseke compartment for various equipment. The sides of the fuselage were two nacelle, the curved shape of which is dictated by the rule area. Xian H-6A mounted swept wing with a smooth fairing chassis placed on the center. Close keel was located in the rear, and on it was a stabilizer.

Xian H-6A characterized by a large radius of action (especially by Chinese standards), which, combined with the possibility of using nuclear bombs allowed commanders to give it the status of a strategic bomber. New types of weapons, namely, guided missiles, contributed to the preservation of such a classification of the aircraft and allowed to modify its strategy to further combat use.

Some time after the production of H-6A bomber company began to develop its modifications. So, instead of the H-bomb armament 6V had aerial cameras for reconnaissance. Accordingly, modification of the N-6S - not that other, as a basic H-6A, only with advanced avionics (has introduced a modern electronic warfare technology with enhanced performance).

There have also been many other upgrades bomber, such as H-6C (H-6III), H-6D (H-6IV), H-6E, H-6F, H-6G, H-6H, H-6M, HD- 6, H-6K et al.

With its range of defeat nuclear missiles and bombers capable of flying upgraded to strike the territory of Alaska, US bases in Guam and Okinawa.

Thus, H-6K aircraft can strike at the capital of Russia, even without going into the affected area air defense. He can perform a shooting cruise missiles on the territory of other states, and to return to base. Such missiles can reach speeds of up to 1000 kilometers per hour. According to unofficial reports, China is about to adopt is not more than twenty new H-6K.

Bomber Xian H-6 characteristics:

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