Sukhoi SSBJ project to form the basis of China’s future strategic bomber(?)

Sukhoi SSBJ project to form the basis of China’s future strategic bomber(?)

Rumors are circulating of a deal between China and Sukhoi for the SSBJ Supersonic business jet to form the basis of china’s future strategic bomber (“H-x”?). I don’t know the original source so I’m viewing this as interesting but unreliable.

The SSBJ hasn’t even flown yet, so we are not talking immediate term. Sukhoi image of SSBJ proposal:


The SSBJ is probably smaller than the H-6 Badger which it is set to replace and Tu-22M Blackfire which was the popular candidate. But it is perhaps better to view this concept as a long ranged missile launch platform rather than conventional bomber. China is known to be developing LACMs in the Tomahawk mold.

The Su-32 Fullback was another popular choice and speculation is that the new design will borrow much of the Fullback’s avionics and weapons systems.

Funding is not clear.

The main question is this: Does China have a requirment for such a bomber?

Now if they are talking about using in the Backfire style going after USN CBG's I can see it, beyond that it may really just be for its 'show" value more than anything else. Lack of foreward basing and a dedicated tanker force precludes them from using it as part of say a nuclear triad. But in the supersonic cruise missile platform it may have an application.

But in that case, why not shell out the $$$ for Backfires rather than trying to convert an untested design?

If this is true then I guess all those discussions between Sukhoi and Honeywell concerning development of the avionics suite for the SSBJ are as much as gurgling down the toilet....

Well that would depend on the specifics of the situation. If it means China is going to be a full partner in SSBJ then yes, that’s obviously a conflict of interests. But if it just means Sukhoi assisting China by technology share/design assistance, then no.

www.scac.ru...

Prospective Basic Aircraft Performance:
Practical flight range over 9000 km, guaranteed for supersonic (up to M=1.8) as well as for high subsonic flight speed.
Stationing at the airports with the runway length of 1800 - 2000 m.
Passenger compartment dimensions coincide with those of long haul executive aircraft (such as Gulfstrem V).

More concept/model pics of SSBJ project:

It seems a curious choice, if indeed it is accurate, as the SSBJ will have no advantage over the Su-32 Fullback that I can gather. It is roughly the same size. Althought the SSBJ will be a lighter airframe than the Fullback any 'combatised' version will need strengthening and that would push the weight back up anyway. The Fullback is a fully combat stressed airframe , whereas the SSBJ is a transport plane designed to fly in straight lines. All very odd.

Like the indian consideration of buying and relaunching the Mirage 4000, the only possible plus point in this that I can think of is that it would be a unique aircraft that nobody else was flying, if that can be called a positive. For the sake of the West, the SSBJ might be the choice we want them to make for a new technology bomber?