Xian H-6 "Badger"
Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation · China · first flew 1959 · bomber
The Xian H-6 is the Chinese licence-built version of the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16 Badger strategic bomber, in continuous production and service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force since the late 1950s. Successive upgrades have transformed it into a capable cruise-missile carrier.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 34.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese licence-built Tu-16 Badger
- Twin turbojet engines in wing roots
- Still in PLAAF service with upgraded variants
A large swept-wing medium bomber of unmistakeable Tu-16 lineage, with two engines buried in the wing roots, a glazed nose, and a distinctive cigar-shaped fuselage; later variants carry large cruise missiles under the wings.
Specifications
- The Xian H-6 has a length of 34.8 m (114 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 32.93 m (108 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1050 km/h (652 mph).
- Typical crew: 6.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
China received Tu-16 technology from the Soviet Union in the late 1950s and Xi'an Aircraft began producing the type domestically as the H-6. The original bomber variants gave way to extensively modernised H-6K, H-6J, and H-6N variants with new turbofan engines, modern avionics, and the ability to carry land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles. The H-6N can carry hypersonic missiles and may have air-launched ballistic capability.
Variants
Numerous variants including H-6A through H-6N; the H-6K introduced new D-30KP-2 turbofan engines and six external cruise-missile pylons, dramatically increasing range and capability.
Where you'll see it
Remains the primary PLAAF strategic bomber platform; H-6 variants are regular participants in Chinese long-range patrols and exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Related aircraft
- Xian Y-7
- Xi'an JH-7
- Xian MA60
- Xian Y-20
- Dassault Mirage IV
- Myasishchev M-50
- Blackburn Buccaneer
- Blackburn Buccaneer S.1
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