Image source: topwar.ru
In the near future, China is expected to test a promising military aircraft, which, as ex-governor of Shaanxi Province Ge Heping said at a meeting with the staff of the CFTE flight test center in Xi'an, will have "decisive strategic and even historical significance" for the country. The Chinese edition of the Global Times reported on the preparation of the above-mentioned event the day before.
Tellingly, the official's statement does not say anything about the type of aircraft that is so important for China. However, given Ge Heping's mention of "strategic importance," many experts agreed that it could be a promising strategic stealth bomber H-20, which XAC is developing in Xi'an. By the way, this enterprise and CFTE, where Ge Heping made a statement, have a common test airfield.
There is no reliable information about the technical characteristics of a promising bomber to date. All data is carefully classified.
Nevertheless, from time to time "leaks" and assumptions appear in the press, on the basis of which an approximate configuration of the future "strategist" emerges.
In terms of design, the H-20 can strongly resemble the American B-2 and B-21, built according to the "flying wing" scheme. The estimated combat load, which includes a wide range of ammunition, including nuclear, is estimated to range from 10 to 45 tons. There are few specifics here.
Regarding the flight range, it is stated to be within 8.5 thousand km without refueling. At the same time, there is no consensus about the speed that a promising winged car can develop. Some sources claim a supersonic bomber, others write that it will fly at subsonic speeds.
Finally, the main question is which "heart" will be installed on the H-20. At the moment, 2 options are being discussed: an upgraded version of the Chinese WS-10 engine or the Russian NK-32.
