Thank you! I'll keep an eye on the x thread.
Ask anything Thread (Air Force)
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
The PLAAF introduced the in 2022.
Can the H-6 launch AAM? If not, why?
No evidence it can. Probably because it doesn't have suitable a firecontrol radar
Most aircraft can launch IR/IIR missiles if they can install the appropriate rail and other systems necessary. With the H6 it certainly can install this equipment in terms of power generation and weight constraints.
But the question is what target would the H6 be able to engage with such a system? Most adversary systems would be launching active radar missiles which would significantly outrange the H6.
If you wanted to install active radar missiles, or other radar controlled missiles you would need to install much heavier systems like a fire control radar. This would all reduce number of bombs or strike missiles that an H6 could otherwise carry.
A J-20 type radar or larger, carrying numerous PL-17/21. H-6 weapon carrying capacity is 58,000kg more than J-20's. A single unit can probably carry dozens of LR-AAM.
It's not just about the number of LR-AAM you can carry.
It's also about the speed that you can launch such LR-AAMs, because that additional speed means longer range.
So it would be better to use a J-16 as the launch platform.
This is a story about former South Korean president Chun Doo-hwan's subordinates and a Chinese student at Chun's funeral. It has no connection with Chinese military.