Xian H-6K

The H-6K, first flying on 5 January 2007, entered service in October 2009 during the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, and is claimed to give China its first proper strategic bomber. With a reinforced structure making use of composite materials, enlarged engine inlets for Russian NPO Saturn D-30KP-2 turbofan engines giving a claimed combat radius of 3,500 kilometres (2,200 mi), a glass cockpit with large size LCD multi-function display, and a reworked nose section eliminating the glazed navigator's station in favour of a more powerful radar, the H-6K is a significantly more modern aircraft than earlier versions. The bomb bay has been replaced by extra fuel capacity, and six underwing pylons for CJ-10A cruise missiles are fitted. The rear 23mm guns and gunner position are replaced by electronic components.

In January 2009, it was reported that an indigenous turbofan engine, the WS-18, was under development for use in the H-6K.^[2]

1 Sinodefence.com

2.globalsecurity.org

The PLAAF will bring its newest bomber, the H-6K, to the Air Force Open Day at the Dafangshen Airport in Changchun, Jilin Province on Sept. 1, 2016. Also making its first appear in public are the KJ-500 AEW platform and the L-15(JL-10) advanced jet trainer.