Chinese Y20 made first flight on 2013 1 26

**yusheng** · 01-26-2013 08:17 PM

VIDEO

The Xian Y-20 (Chinese: 运-20; pinyin: Yun-20) is a large military transport aircraft. The project was officially launched on 2006. It is being developed by Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation for the Chinese PLAAF.

The Y-20 prototype is powered by four Russian D30 series turbofan engines and the production aircraft will sport the WS-20 engines. Cargo is loaded through a large aft ramp that accommodates rolling stock. The Y-20 is similar to C-17 transport aircraft in general layout. The Y-20 incorporates a high-set wing, T-tail, rear cargo-loading assembly and heavy-duty retractable landing gear.

It was reported the Y-20 was undergoing ground testing starting from December 2012, including runway taxi tests. The aircraft made its first flight lasting an hour on January 26, 2013.

Specifications (estimated) (January 2013)

General characteristics

Crew: 3
Payload: 66 tonnes
Length: 47 m
Wingspan: 50 m
Height: 15 m
Wing area: 310 m²
Empty weight: 100,000 kg (220,400 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 220,000 kg (485,000 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × Soloviev D-30KP-2 or WS-18, in the future WS-20 turbofans

Performance

Cruise speed: Mach 0.75
Range: 4,400 km with max payload
Service ceiling: 13,000 m (42,700 ft)
Max. wing loading: 710 kg/m²