Image source: topwar.ru
China is trying to bring the Xian Y-20A military transport aircraft to the world market. In early September, this machine participated in an arms exhibition in Egypt, now it is present at a similar forum in South Africa, although it had not previously met at an air show in Africa.
The Y-20, officially named Kunpeng after a mythical creature similar to a fish-bird, but nicknamed "chubby girl", is the first Chinese heavy transport aircraft of its own production
- it says in the Defense Web edition.
Since its first flight in 2013 and its adoption in 2016, the aircraft has become a key asset in the logistics operations of Chinese troops.
- it is noted in the publication.
Now, about 60 Y-20s are in service with the PLA Air Force, and even more are in production. Against this background, China began to actively promote this aircraft for export, trying to compete with the Il-76 and C-17.
The Y-20 has a maximum load capacity of 60-65 tons and a maximum take-off weight of 220 tons. It can carry a wide range of military equipment, from tanks and armored vehicles to helicopters.
Image source: topwar.ru
Y-20 at the AAD 2024 exhibition in South Africa
The aircraft has received a number of advanced technologies, including a "glass" cockpit equipped with a HUD display for pilots, and uses composite materials in its design to reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability.
The initial version is equipped with 4 Russian D-30KP-2 engines (thrust 12 thousand kg). However, the modification of the Y-20B made it possible to abandon these power plants by switching to the Chinese WS-20, which have a large capacity (14 thousand kg).
At the same time, the Y-20A variant with Russian engines is offered for export first of all. Apparently, this is a commercial "trick": the Il-76 is also equipped with the D-30KP, which allows the countries operating it to switch to the Chinese machine more painlessly.
