Author: Renowned military expert Du Wenlong
H-6K with Wuzhen-8 (WZ-8), China initiates “Sky Eye” strike mode.
According to reports from multiple media outlets, the combination of China’s H-6K and Wuzhen-8 has recently gained significant attention. Many foreign media outlets were particularly astonished by a blurry photo. In this indistinct image, apparently taken from bottom to top, the outline of the H-6K is visible. Simultaneously, underneath the fuselage of the H-6K, there is a drone resembling a quarter piece of pizza, entirely black. This is the Wuzhen-8 hypersonic drone, seen during China’s National Day parade and other public occasions.
This drone, based on the basic information provided during the National Day parade and other public events, can fly at high speeds of 3 to 6 Mach at altitudes of at least 30,000 meters. During flight, it can conduct detailed reconnaissance and positioning of ground targets through multi-mode sensors, and can also be equipped with other explosives for suicide attacks, essentially achieving a “one machine, two uses,” or “aircraft-missile combination.”
Analyzing the aerodynamic shape of the publicly displayed Wuzhen-8 from China, it is evident that there are two conspicuous suspension devices on the upper part, integrated with the bomber. From this flight altitude and current strike range perspective, it could be termed as a near-space weapon.
I particularly agree with this statement. If we analyze the basic characteristics of this near-space vehicle, the altitude is exceptionally high, up to 30,000 meters, and possibly up to 20 kilometers. Flying at this altitude, it can essentially pass through space that doesn’t conform to physical laws rapidly.
Many physicists say that this space can only exist but cannot be calculated, which sounds mysterious; it means its aerodynamic trajectory is very complex. Until now, there may still be some phenomena that conventional physics cannot explain. This high-speed and irregular flight can leave behind enemy air defense missiles and radars, rendering them invisible and unable to intercept.
If the H-6K, relying on its subsonic flight, releases the Wuzhen-8 at a higher suitable altitude, the reconnaissance capability over the relevant area would be very precise, almost like a “pseudo-satellite.” If equipped with combat warheads during high-speed flight, this mode of attack essentially places oneself in a very high position, aptly termed as “Sky Eye.”
This attack mode can place the enemy’s aircraft carrier formations and various maritime targets within the scope of China’s reconnaissance and attack. This drone was designed from the outset to adjust and change China’s drone system. While China has many strategic and tactical models of subsonic drones, none have achieved significant breakthroughs and innovations in terms of speed and stealth like the Wuzhen-8.
In the future, through an integrated reconnaissance and attack system, if the Wuzhen-8 rapidly traverses a certain area to transmit targets and conduct intensive missile attacks, it can bring about significant changes in China’s strike and reconnaissance capabilities. The opponent would be unaware of the reconnaissance capability, and all deployment positions and specific parameters could be transmitted in real-time. Before the drone even lands, Chinese missiles could launch two or three attacks.
This strategy has a particularly clear strategic assassination effect on especially important targets in a particular theater of operations. If this drone conducts various flight operations in near-space, its ability to assassinate distant targets is termed “global sniping.” Through the combination of the Wuzhen-8 and the rocket forces, air force, and navy’s long-range weapons and equipment, China can “snipe” targets globally.
This is the significant change that this drone brings to China’s remote strategic deterrence and strike capabilities.