The FT-6 (Fei Teng , meaning “Soar” or “SkyRocket”) is a Chinese precision-guided glide bomb kit. It is specifically designed to convert a standard, low-cost 250 kg (550 lb) unguided bomb (similar to the US Mk-82) into a high-precision, long-range stand-off weapon. The “range-extended” designation is the core of its identity.
Key Characteristics and Capabilities:
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Guidance System: The FT-6 utilizes a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) guidance kit. This allows it to strike pre-programmed coordinates with a high degree of accuracy in all weather conditions, day or night. Its Circular Error Probable (CEP) is estimated to be within 10-15 meters, making it highly effective against area targets and large structures.
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Warhead: It is a guidance kit, not a complete bomb. It is attached to a standard 250 kg (550 lb) high-explosive general-purpose bomb warhead. This is a versatile warhead size capable of destroying a wide range of targets, including buildings, bunkers, light armored vehicles, and artillery positions.
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Range Extension (The Defining Feature): The FT-6’s most critical attribute is its large, long-span glide wings. These wings pop out after release, generating significant lift and allowing the bomb to glide for very long distances.
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Reported Range: When released from high altitude (e.g., 10-12 km / 30-40,000 ft) and high speed, its effective range is estimated to be between 60 to 90 kilometers (37 to 56 miles). This stand-off range is its primary tactical advantage, allowing the launch aircraft to stay well outside the engagement zone of many short and medium-range air defense systems.
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Launch Platform: It is integrated on a wide variety of Chinese tactical aircraft, including:
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Xian JH-7/A Flying Leopard: A dedicated long-range fighter-bomber, which is a primary platform.
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Shenyang J-11, J-16: Heavy multirole fighters.
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Chengdu J-10: Lighter multirole fighter.
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Comparison with Similar Weapons:
The FT-6 is part of a family of weapons. Its direct successor is often considered to be the more advanced FT-8.
| Feature | Chinese FT-6 | Chinese FT-8 | US JDAM (GBU-38, 500lb) | Chinese TL-2 Missile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Glide Bomb (Guidance Kit) | Glide Bomb (Guidance Kit) | Glide Bomb (Guidance Kit) | Air-to-Ground Missile |
| Warhead | 250 kg (550 lb) | ~250 kg (550 lb) | ~250 kg (550 lb) | ~50 kg (110 lb) |
| Guidance | GPS/INS | GPS/INS | GPS/INS | GPS/INS + (Optional Laser) |
| Propulsion | None (Glides) | None (Glides) | None (Glides) | Rocket Motor (Powered) |
| Range | Long (60-90 km) | Medium (~20 km) | Medium (~15 km) | Very Long (>50 km) |
| Cost | Relatively Low | Relatively Low | Relatively Low | Higher |
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vs. the FT-8: This is a key comparison. Both use a 250kg warhead. The critical difference is that the FT-6 is optimized for maximum glide range with its large wings, while the FT-8 is a more compact, standard-range JDAM-equivalent. The FT-6 is for striking defended targets from afar; the FT-8 is for cheaper, shorter-range missions where long range is not the priority.
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vs. a JDAM: The FT-6 and a JDAM are similar in concept (converting dumb bombs into smart ones). However, the FT-6’s large wings give it a much longer published range than a basic JDAM kit. The US equivalent would be the JDAM-ER (Extended Range), which also adds wings for greater glide distance.
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vs. the TL-2 Missile: The FT-6 is unpowered and glides; the TL-2 has a rocket motor. This makes the TL-2 more expensive but gives it even longer range and the ability to fly more complex trajectories. The FT-6 is a cheaper solution for long-range strikes against fixed targets.
Strategic Significance:
The FT-6 is significant because it:
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Pioneered Chinese Stand-Off Capability: It was one of the first domestically produced weapons to give the PLAAF a credible means to conduct precision strikes from outside the range of many Taiwanese and regional air defense systems, a cornerstone of China’s military strategy.
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Mass-Upgraded Legacy Airpower: It allowed China to rapidly modernize its vast Cold War-era stockpile of unguided 250kg bombs into a potent, modern precision-strike capability at a fraction of the cost of developing new missiles.
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Enhanced Survivability: Its long range dramatically increases the survivability of Chinese aircraft, allowing them to engage targets without having to penetrate heavily defended airspace.
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Laid the Groundwork: The success and experience gained from the FT-6 program directly contributed to the development of more advanced and varied munitions in the FT series (FT-7, FT-8, FT-9, etc.).
In summary, the FT-6 is a long-range, 250 kg precision glide bomb kit that represents a pivotal step in the modernization of China’s air force. It is a cost-effective, mass-produced weapon that provides a critical stand-off strike capability, allowing the PLAAF to hold distant fixed targets at risk with precision.
