Xian H-6 (Tu-16 clone) – modern variants

Let’s discuss the Xian H-6 heavy bomber as operated by PLAF/PLAN.

It’s basically a copy of Soviet Tu-16 Badger and is still in production in PRC.

An article from always amusing and often incorrect Strategy Page:

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairw/articles/20130702.aspx

From Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xian_H-6

According to Wiki following versions are still in service:

H-6E – nuclear bomber
H-6F – upgraded H-6A/C nuclear/conventional bomber
H-6H – cruise missile carrier
H-6K – latest version cruise missile bombers (reengined with D30KP-2). Armament = 6 x CJ-10A.
H-6M – cruise missile carrier
HY-6U – A2A refueller (aka H-6U)

H-6D – anti-shipping version equipped with C101/301/601 AShM. In service with PLAN.
H-6G – anti-shipping version. In service with PLAN.

PLAAF Units – courtesy of Scramble – apparently 120 bomber and 10 tankers in service
22 Air Regiment, 8 Bomber Division – H-6H
23 Air Regiment, 8 Bomber Division – HY-6U
24 Air Regiment, 8 Bomber Division – H-6K

28 Air Regiment, 10 Bomber Division – H-6H
29 Air Regiment, 10 Bomber Division – H-6A/H – converting to H-6K

107 Air Regiment, 36 Bomber Division – H6H
108 Air Regiment, 36 Bomber Division – H6E/F/M

PLAN – courtesy of Scramble

17 Air Regiment, 6 Division – H-6G
23 Air Regiment, 8 Division – H-6G/H-6DU (tanker)

How capable is H-6?

Tu-16 was noted for short range (for a strategic bomber). Chinese have removed bomb bay in some versions (though increased range was not comparable to a B-52) whilst H-6K has been reengined.

In anti-shipping role it’s quite slow (1,050 kph). C601 is relatively obsolete whilst C101 is short ranged (45 km). C30X series is more advanced.

Cruise missile versions carry small numbers of ALCMs on wing pylons (2-6). Capacity as such is far lower than American bombers that use a revolving launcher.

From a conventional role, it seems unlikely H-6s have been ugraded to PGM bombers suitable for CAS unlike most American bombers (excluding B-2).

Pictures of various H-6 variants:

http://www.chinesedefence.com/forums/military-photos-multimedia/568-h-6-bomber.html