CG Pics of PLA Heavy Airlifter - Y-20 Heavy Military Transport Aircraft

Some Chinese military fans released some CG pictures of PLA Air Force being developed Y-20 heavy military transport aircraft via Internet, triggering a hot discussion in Chinese cyber forums. Some AVIC “Insiders” who have seen the Y-20 real aircraft, have confirmed that those pictures are very similar to the real Y-20 fuselage and aerodynamic shape, except exterior painting.

According to CG pictures, the Y-20 looks similar to the Russian IL-76 and European A400M transport aircraft, except the winglets on main wings. The design is widely used in airliner aircraft and can effectively reduce cruise drag, reducing fuel consumption, thereby increasing the voyage.

Previously some resources say Y-20 will “Shanzhai” U.S. Air Force C-17A. But present CG pictures display another development routine. It si interesting C-17 also has winglets design. The twin-engine C919 aircraft is a certain well-known project. The commercial use of such a platform may not yet clear, but it can be used to perform a variety of military missions.

Allegedly, Y-20 is a four-engine 200-ton level heavy transport aircraft to carry 50-60 ton payload. China has assembled two Y-20s for flight and ground static test. The assembly of the first aircraft began as early as January 2012. Before the end of 2012, China may officially confirmed Y-20 projects, and announced Y-20 prototype upcoming test flight.

Strategic airlift is the use of cargo aircraft to transport materiel, weaponry, or personnel over long distances. Typically, this involves airlifting the required items between two airbases which are not in the same vicinity. This allows commanders to bring items into a combat theater from a point on the other side of the planet, if necessary. Aircraft which perform this role are considered strategic airlifters.

The United States has by far the greatest strategic airlift capacity of any nation in the world. Many countries’ armed forces possess little or no strategic airlift capacity, preferring to lease from private-sector firms as needed.

China has been focusing on power on strategic deployment via land, marine and air. China has built world largest High-speed train network, construct more amphibious warships. The military heavy airlifter is the last obstacle to break.