China Reveals Hong-20, New-gen Stealth Bomber Program

China has revealed a new-generation stealth bomber program, Hong-20 whose flight trials may take place soon, state-owned Global Times newspaper reported today.

The Hong-20 official unveiling could be slated for next month’s Zhuhai Air show though there is no confirmation of it as yet. While details of the aircraft are not known, it could have a longer range than existing stealth aircraft undergoing testing or in service of the Chinese Air Force.

The new stealth bomber will complement the Shenyang J-31 Stealth Fighter which was first publicly flown in 2016 and a single-seat, multirole stealth fighter aircraft, the Chengdu J-20 manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG).

China's official television station confirmed the name of the bomber on Tuesday. China Central Television had suggested in a documentary in August that "the development of new long-distance strategic bomber, Hong-20, has made great progress."

It was the first time "Hong-20" as a name appeared officially. "Hong" is the first character of hongzhaji, "bomber aircraft" in Chinese.

China's Hong-20 bomber has been under development at the Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute since 2008, Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta previously reported.

"The new generation of bombers can carry more bombs than previous H-6K bombers, have the advantage of stealth features and are able to strike targets from standoff ranges," Song said in a previous interview in April.

The Hong-20 could improve both defensive and offensive air force capabilities and "enable the army to possess stronger nuclear and conventional deterrence," Song said.

China has revealed a new-generation stealth bomber, Hong-20 whose flight trials may take place soon, state-owned Global Times newspaper reported today.

The Hong-20 official unveiling could be slated for next month’s Zhuhai Air show though there is no confirmation of it as yet. While details of the aircraft are not known, it could have a longer range than the existing stealth aircraft of the Chinese Air Force.

The new stealth bomber will complement the Shenyang J-31 Stealth Fighter which was first publicly flown in 2016 and a single-seat, multirole stealth fighter aircraft, the Chengdu J-20 manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG).

China's official television station confirmed the name of the bomber on Tuesday. China Central Television had suggested in a documentary in August that "the development of new long-distance strategic bomber, Hong-20, has made great progress."

It was the first time "Hong-20" as a name appeared officially. "Hong" is the first character of hongzhaji, "bomber aircraft" in Chinese.

China's Hong-20 bomber has been under development at the Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute since 2008, Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta previously reported.

"The new generation of bombers can carry more bombs than previous H-6K bombers, have the advantage of stealth features and are able to strike targets from standoff ranges," Song said in a previous interview in April.

The Hong-20 could improve both defensive and offensive air force capabilities and "enable the army to possess stronger nuclear and conventional deterrence," Song said.