The Y-20 relies on four Russian-made Soloviev D-30 turbofan engines. With a payload of 73 short tons, the aircraft can carry heavy military hardware, including the ZTZ99, China’s largest tank.
The newest Chinese heavy transporter has a length of 47 meters and a wingspan of 45 meters. With a maximum takeoff weight of 220 tons, the freighter can carry a payload of 66 tons. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 830 kilometers per hour.
#China inducts first series built Xian Y-20 large military transport aircraft pic.twitter.com/ruvchuMwAO
— Warfare Worldwide (@WarfareWW) June 19, 2016
While its primary function is transport, the Y-20 can also serve as a strategic command center capable of coordinating other aircraft in combat, and can even function as refueling tanker.
Officially codenamed “Kunpeng,” after a Chinese mythical bird that can fly for thousands of kilometers, the Y-20 has got the nickname “Chubby Girl” for its deep and wide fuselage.
“To enhance national strength, China must build up its ability of indigenously designing and producing large aircraft and strengthen its air transport,” online news website Global Times reported Tang Changhong, chief designer for the Y-20, as saying.
Last month, the first two Y-20 planes were delivered to the air force, after five years of design and manufacture as well as another four years of test flights.
“The Y-20 entering into service marks a crucial step for the Air Force improving its strategic power projection capability,” Global Times reported Air Force spokesperson Shen Jinke as saying.
