Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) formally inducted the indigenous Xian Y-20 strategic transport aircraft into its fleet on Wednesday, during a ce...
Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) formally inducted the indigenous Xian Y-20 strategic transport aircraft into its fleet on Wednesday, during a ceremony at Chengdu.
The first aircraft with serial number 11051 is assigned to the 12th Regiment of the 4th Transport Division at Qionglai, Chengdu and will be followed by a second one shortly.
Structurally resembling the Boeing C-17 strategic airlifter, the Y-20 weighs more than 200 ton, and can carry payloads of up to 66 ton.
The Y-20 completed maiden flight in January 2013 and is powered by four Russian D-30KP turbofan engines with 12 ton thrust each.
The new transport will complement the PLAAF current fleet of strategic Ilyushin IL-76 and tactical Shaanxi Y-8 transport fleet.
