Zhuhai Airshow 2024

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PLAAF 75th Anniversary
October 1, 1949 China's Founding Ceremony Military Parade, 17 aircraft in give-and-take formation flew over Tiananmen Square, and due to low numbers, the aircraft flew twice.
Now airplanes no longer have to fly twice.
 
@NGAD IS THE BEST

Su-57 looks good but needs a better paint job. J-20, F-35, F-22 have warm weather paint jobs that gives a nice warm feeling. Su-57 paint job looks cold and wintery. Not good.

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On the Chinese social media, some suggest that China should buy Su-57, saying that it still has some assets that we can learn from.
 

China Unveils First Concept of H-20 Stealth Bomber Aiming to Compete with US B-21 Raider​


China has publicly revealed the first concept image of its H-20 subsonic stealth bomber, marking a major milestone in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) modernization efforts. As China’s first dedicated strategic bomber, this ambitious project is viewed as a “strategic project” by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and signifies China's intent to bolster its long-range strike capabilities.

The H-20 is set to become a critical element of China’s power projection and deterrence strategy, directly challenging U.S. airpower dominance, particularly with the U.S. Air Force’s soon-to-be-deployed B-21 Raider stealth bomber.

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A virtual rendering of China’s new H-20 stealth bomber, showcasing its sleek flying-wing design intended to enhance stealth capabilities and extend China’s strategic reach. (Picture source: China Social Network)

The H-20 is expected to be a highly advanced asset in China's strategic arsenal, designed for extended range, large payloads, and enhanced survivability in contested environments. While the specific technical details remain classified, the concept imagery displays a flying-wing design similar to that of U.S. stealth bombers like the B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider. This shape minimizes radar visibility and highlights China’s emphasis on deep-penetration missions in high-threat environments, aiming to evade detection from advanced radar and missile systems.

Unlike China’s current H-6 series bombers, which are based on an older Soviet design and have been heavily modernized, the H-20 represents an indigenous design capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional payloads across significant distances. This dual capability could establish the H-20 as an essential component in China’s nuclear triad, adding a credible airborne leg to its land- and sea-based nuclear capabilities. Such a role positions the H-20 as a powerful deterrent and an asset for long-range power projection.

The H-20 is being unveiled as the United States prepares to introduce the B-21 Raider, a highly anticipated next-generation stealth bomber set to replace its aging fleet of B-1 and B-2 bombers. The B-21, scheduled for service in the mid-2020s, incorporates cutting-edge stealth technology, modular architecture for future upgrades, and extensive payload options. If China’s H-20 matches even a portion of the B-21’s advanced capabilities, it could elevate the PLAAF to unprecedented operational capability in strategic bombing and long-range strike missions.

Both the H-20 and B-21 Raider are designed for high-threat environments with advanced surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and radar systems, underscoring their potential role in deep penetration of hostile airspace. With the H-20, China aims to achieve a capability that can counterbalance the reach and effectiveness of U.S. bombers, allowing the PLAAF to operate across regions that are traditionally dominated by American and allied forces.

Although exact specifications of the H-20 remain undisclosed, analysts speculate that the aircraft could feature a long operational range, estimated at up to 8,500 kilometers. This range would enable it to strike targets throughout the Indo-Pacific region and possibly beyond. Additionally, the H-20 is expected to carry a significant payload, potentially including nuclear and conventional munitions, as well as long-range cruise missiles. The emphasis on stealth is evident in its flying-wing design, which likely includes radar-absorbent materials (RAM) and low-profile air intakes to minimize radar cross-section, making it suitable for operations in heavily defended airspace. Advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems are also expected, enhancing the bomber's situational awareness and enabling coordinated strikes alongside other air, land, or sea assets.

The release of the H-20 concept highlights China’s efforts to reinforce its strategic deterrence capabilities. With tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific, this development signals a shift in the military balance as China narrows the technological gap with U.S. air capabilities. For regional players allied with the U.S., the H-20’s potential to project power across the Indo-Pacific represents a significant concern, with implications for regional stability and global security.

In conclusion, China’s unveiling of the H-20 concept signifies a critical step in developing indigenous stealth technology and its ambition to compete with the most advanced aircraft globally. While questions remain about the H-20’s specifications and operational timeline, its development sends a clear message: China is determined to secure its position as a global military power capable of deterring or matching the United States’ strategic capabilities.

 

China unveils HQ-19 missile to rival US THAAD, bolsters defense against ballistic threats​

The system’s comparison to the US THAAD and SM-3 has drawn attention, and its reported capabilities could influence regional security dynamics.​

Nov 10, 2024 01:59 PM EST

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The HQ-19’s phased array radar provides early warning, enhancing coordination across multiple systems.

David Wang/Twitter
China has unveiled HQ-19 missile system to bolster defense against ballistic missile threats. The system is mounted on an 8×8 high-mobility truck and has a six-missile launcher setup.

Using a cold-launch at a steep angle, it effectively intercepts incoming ballistic missiles. Its radar, including the 610A information radar, can detect targets up to 2485 miles (4,000 kilometers) away, covering regions from northern South Asia to China’s Tibetan Plateau.

The command-and-control system integrates radar data to improve tracking and interception capabilities.

The HQ-19 was developed in the late 1990s under China’s 863 Program, which focused on high-tech defense advancements.

It uses an infrared guidance system with side windows to reduce atmospheric interference, allowing for accurate targeting at high altitudes, Army Recognition reports.

Powered by a two-stage solid rocket engine with carbon-fiber construction and N-15B solid propellant, the missile achieves a specific impulse of 260 seconds, enabling it to maneuver effectively to intercept moving warheads.

Surface-to-air missile achieves 1864 miles intercept range​

The missile’s engine has a double-pulse design, boosting its range and increasing kinetic impact during interception. Built with advanced composite materials, this design allows the missile to maneuver at forces up to 60g. The HQ-19’s intercept range is reportedly up to 1864 miles (3,000 kilometers), enabling it to target ballistic missiles, including reentry warheads, within this range.

China was an early adopter of kinetic kill technology, reportedly completing a successful test flight in 1999, becoming the second nation after the US to develop this capability. Multiple tests have confirmed the HQ-19’s performance, including interceptions above 200 kilometers in altitude and at speeds of up to 10,000 meters per second.

In February 2021, China’s Ministry of National Defense reported that the HQ-19 met all performance expectations. Since 2010, China has conducted several tests, emphasizing their defensive purpose and clarifying that the system is not aimed at any specific country.

However, developing an advanced ground-based exo-atmospheric missile defense system could lead to future versions being deployed on Chinese navy destroyers. This would enable China to intercept missile threats in distant seas, similar to the capability the SM-3 provides for the US, Japanese, and South Korean navies.

China’s interest in wider defense export markets​

The system’s comparison to the US THAAD and SM-3 has drawn attention, and its reported capabilities could influence regional security dynamics. Furthermore, the HQ-19’s appearance at the airshow also suggests it may be available for export, with potential interest from regions like the Middle East.

China’s defense industry seeks to broaden its customer base beyond core clients like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, aiming to expand its reach in emerging markets.

China’s missile defense system includes the HQ-9, HQ-19, and HQ-26, creating a layered defense approach. The HQ-26, with a multi-pulse motor, extends its range and improves its impact on various missile threats.

The HQ-19’s phased array radar provides early warning, enhancing coordination across these systems. Together, their coverage and intercept abilities offer defense against regional threats, including ballistic missiles from neighboring countries.

 

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