Xi'an H-8 Explained

The Xian H-8 bomber was a Chinese military aircraft and a possible successor to the aging twin-engined Xian H-6 jet bomber.^[1] It is referred to as Xian H-7 in some sources.^[2] The proposed designs were reported to be an enlarged H-6 with four or six underwing engines, but the project was canceled in 1971 in early development stage.^[3]

Development

On 23 March 1970 the No.603 Research Institute was tasked with developing a strategic bomber to be designated H-8, to reduce costs and development time the Xian H-6 airframe was used as a baseline. The first working sample was expected to be completed in 1973, and production was expected to be as early as in 1974.

However, the development of the H-8 paced slowly and came to a halt as major development resource was transferred to Shanghai Y-10. In September 1971, the H-8 project was canceled, whilst the H-6I was continued on as a substitute.

Variants

• Xian H-8I – Two powerplant options were studied, using four WS-6J (Type 910) turbofans or six Pratt & Whitney JT-3D turbofans but no aircraft were built.
• Xian H-8II – A H-6 with increased wing span, powered by six WS-6J turbofans in evenly spaced nacelles, and possibly a re-designed flight-deck with an extended solid nose. No aircraft were built.

Notes and References

1. Book: 魏刚 . 陈应明 . 张维 . 中国飞机全书 第三卷 . October 2011 . 航空工业出版社 . 9787802438231 . 194,195.
2. Rupprecht, Andreas, 2013 Dragon's Wings. Birmingham: Ian Allan Publishing Ltd.
3. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/h-8.htm Specifications of the H-8 bomber