| H-8 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Strategic bomber Type of aircraft |
| National origin | People's Republic of China |
| Manufacturer | Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Primary user | People's Liberation Army Air Force |
| Developed from | Xian H-6 |
TheXian H-8 bomber (Chinese:轰-8;pinyin:Hōng-8) was a Chinesemilitary aircraft and a possible successor to the aging twin-enginedXian H-6 jet bomber.[1] It is referred to asXian 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]
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.[1]
However, the development of the H-8 paced slowly and came to a halt as major development resource was transferred toShanghai Y-10. In September 1971, the H-8 project was canceled, whilst theH-6I was continued on as a substitute.[1]
Data from[citation needed]
General characteristics
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