Challenging US air superiority: China has developed Tiangang modified bombs

The development was proposed by the state-owned company Norinco and is very similar to the American AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon. The Chinese counterpart has a longer range than the JDAM, a circular probable deviation of less than 15 meters.

The 500 kg Tiangang guided bombs with GPS guidance are a practical means of expanding the capabilities of pinpoint strikes due to their large ammunition supply. This was reported on January 19 in China Defense Blog.

The development is proposed by the state-owned company Norinco and closely resembles the American AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW). The Chinese counterpart has a longer range than the JDAM, a circular probable deviation — less than 15 meters.

The new ammunition is the culmination of China's many years of efforts in the development of adjustable bombs, which began with the LS-6 series in 2006.

According to analysts from Army Recognition, the appearance of this development is closely related to the recent test flights of two prototypes of sixth-generation fighters, the Cheng-6 and Shen-6. The prototypes incorporate advanced stealth features, modular capabilities, and designs designed to reduce radar signatures.

“These developments indicate significant progress in China's ambitions to challenge US air dominance as the United States continues to face difficulties with its own sixth-generation fighter programs, the NGAD and F/A-XX programs,” the publication said.

Tiangang guided bomb: characteristics

• Tiangang strikes various stationary objects: communication nodes, military bases, missile sites, bridges, power plants and warehouses
• weight — about 590 kg;
• diameter — 377 mm;
• GPS-based guidance system;

Tests have shown that the static area of ​​damage of the Tiangang bomb reaches 47 square meters.

The characteristics of the Tiangang allow it to be compared with the American AGM-154 JSOW, since the design and purpose directly echo this American analogue. The range of the Tiangang, developed by the Norinco Group, — exceeds 80 kilometers, and the CWO — is less than 15 meters. Raytheon's AGM-154 JSOW has a range of about 22 kilometers when dropped from low altitude and up to 130 kilometers when dropped from high altitude, using a GPS/INS system with additional infrared guidance.

Comparison with JDAM

Compared to JDAM, Tiangang demonstrates excellent range. The standard JDAM range is up to 28 kilometers with a 5-meter CW under optimal conditions.

However, the JDAM-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) version closes the gap, with a wing that extends the range to about 80 kilometers.