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The H-6 Tankers
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The H-6 Tankers
by Mike Little
Note #1:
According to 2001-2 edition of The Military Balance, annual flying time for H-6 pilots is 80, for J-7 and J-8 pilots is 100, and Su-27 pilots is 120. Figures are most likely from the early '90s and may have improved since then. For example, it's reported that Su-27 pilots now get about 200 hours - some of that in J-7Es - and simulator time. Also, the PLAAF has four classes of pilots and two types of Air divisions. The four classes of pilot are 1, 2, 3 and the special class, who are instrument-qualified for flying in all kinds of weather. The PLA has a number of first rapid reaction air divisions, which have more flying time authorized than the standard air divisions and are fully staffed by special class pilots. (Information from Andy Chan.)
Note #2:
This is more difficult to estimate than might first appear. The methodology I used was to look at the required number of sorties in a 1990 SAC regulation and then apply average durations of flight to it, but after doing this I remembered that operational and exercise sorties would also count toward that requirement without specifically being for training. Crews often - almost always, actually - log training events on other kinds of missions.
Primary references were:
- Canadian DND - Air Force Aircraft - http://www.airforce.forces.ca/17wing/Aircraft/hercules_e.cfm
- Photos posted by Andy Chan on China-Defense.com Forum
- China Defence Today H-6 article - http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/aircraft/special/h6tanker.asp
- Gordon's & Gunston's MiG-21 'Fishbed'
- Gunston's Tupolev Aircraft
- Arthur Hubers' H-6 article in China-Defense.com - http://www.china-defense.com/aviation/chinas_new_badgers/new_H6-1.html
- Hui Tong's China Military Aviation site - http://www.concentric.net/~Jetfight/index.htm
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1990-91
- Rick Kamers' H-6 article (which I can't find on the web anymore!)
- The Military Balance, 2001-2002
- SACR 51-135 Vol I, 1 July 1990, C/EC/RC/KC-135 Aircrew Training
* Edited by xinhui on Oct. 18 2002,09:50
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