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.