Xi’an
H-20
Notes: The H-20
(alternatively the H-X, denoting the fact that only protypes have been built and
it is in advanced field testing) is a subsonic stealth bomber.
It is not expected to be in service until about 2025.
The H-6 was developed in response to the USAF’s B-2 and upcoming B-21, as
well as a heavy bomber capable of stealth and having the range to range far away
from their bases – different sources state this range variously at 8000km, 8050
km, and 12,000 km. The H-20 will
also be capable of aerial refueling, and has ejection seats.
The H-20 is a
flying-win design with flight computers to make more stable; the US DoD are
pretty sure the H-20 was built using stolen intelligence from the US B-2 and
B-21, but resembles the projected B-21 more than the B-2. . It’s primary role is
to attack US Carrier Task Forces, though bombing of Japan is also mentioned in
it’s possible targets. US
intelligence is skeptical that the Chinese could essentially build a B-2
near-clone in such a short period of time, unless US manufacturers have spies in
US manufacturing companies of the B-2, the DoD, and the Pentagon, as well as
hackers who targeted the B-2.
The H-20 is
likely powered by WS-10 engines (which, it should be noted, the Chinese have not
yet been able to manufacture). The
H-20 has an AESA radar as well as a terrain-following radar, both of which are
like the B-2, whose radars are extremely difficult to detect when in use.
The Chinese also used parts of the design features of the US X-47B
stealth drone. (Indeed, the H-20
looks like an enlarged X-47B, with a combination of B-2 and B-21 features.) The
stealth features mimic those of the B-2 and B-21 in stealth design. The H-20 is
capable of using most air-to-ground munitions, from cruise missiles to
antishipping missiles to conventional ASM and bombs (both guided and unguided),
as well as nuclear weapons and nuclear-tipped missiles.
The H-20 has a rotary launcher similar to that of the B-2.
The crew consists of a Pilot, Co-Pilot, and a WSO/ECM Operator.
The H-20 is said
to be not as stealthy as the B-2 or B-21, or the X-47B for that matter.
The H-20 is essentially a long-range bomber in which the Chinese did not
completely successfully copy the B-2, B-21, or X-47B.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$616,775,320 |
JP6 Equivalent |
30.72 tons |
114.48 tons |
3 |
60 |
Radar (300km), Rear Radar (150km), 2nd Gen FLIR, LIDAR, TFR
(300m) |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Ceiling |
Armor |
2971 |
825 (60) |
NA 166
5/3 50/30 |
104,726 |
30628 |
15250 |
HF5 CF5
FF4 T0 W7* |
Combat Equipment |
Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone |
RF |
Armament |
Ammo |
All-Weather Flight, Flare/Chaff (50/40), ECM 2, IR, Stealth 5 IR Stealth
3, Deception Jamming (59 km), Laser Designator (20 km), Inertial
Navigation, GPS, RWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Target ID, |
1800/2200m Hardened Runway |
+4 |
2 Bomb Bays |
Nil |
*The
H-20 has no tail to target or become damaged.