China’s mysterious H-20 strategic bomber ‘may be able to strike second island chain’
- Computer-generated pictures of the Xian H-20’s design are published by magazine run by a state defence corporation
- Pictures show the bomber – expected to be operational by the end of the 2020s – will prioritise stealth and long distance, analyst says
The latest edition of Modern Weaponry, a monthly magazine run by state defence corporation China North Industries Group, or Norinco, has released four computer-generated pictures of the design of the Xian H-20. The bomber has been under development for years and photos of it have never been officially disclosed.
The four pictures suggested that the aircraft has a weapon bay, two adjustable tail wings, an airborne radar at the front and two stealth air intakes on both sides, all covered in a dark grey radar-absorbent material.
Its shape is very similar to that of aircraft shown in a promotional video in January by another state firm, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation, or XAC – which is reportedly responsible for developing the H-20.
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Previous reports had said that the H-20 would be equipped with nuclear and conventional missiles, have a maximum take-off weight of at least 200 tonnes and a payload of up to 45 tonnes, and was expected to fly at subsonic speeds and potentially fire four powerful hypersonic stealth cruise missiles.