The Chinese military's airlift capacity is important to the Y-20. These huge cargo planes have many uses. They can transport humanitarian relief supplies, rescue foreign nationals (non-combatant evacuate), and deliver elite paratroopers far from battlefields.
Developed by China's Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the Y-20 is designed to meet Chinese needs for heavy-lift and strategic delivery capacities. It combines the features of the Y-8/Il-76/U.S. C-17A. The Y-20 has a high-performance and high-speed flight envelope, large cargo capability, and low cost.
This Chinese heavy-lift military transport was first unveiled in 2012, with the first prototype being shown in 2013. Its wing shape is based upon the Il-76, Y-8 and Y-8 aircraft. To increase the aircraft's carrying capability, the fuselage has been enlarged and deepened. Its supercritical wings, integrated Avionics Systems and high-reliability Control Systems make it a reliable and strong airlifter.
It has a long range, heavy load, fast flight speed and high cruising altitude, making it ideal for a large-scale strategic delivery mission. Previously, the PLA Air force relied on Il-76 aircraft and An-124 for strategic delivery missions. But now, it has its own airlift platform, the Y-20.
Its most important capability is aerial refueling. China's state-owned media reports that it can do this to support longer-range flight by its fighters, bombers, and also transport personnel and equipment. A Y-20 Y-20 aircraft participated on a November mission to aerial refuel near Taiwan. This is an important step in PLAAF’s effort to expand combat operations beyond its 'First Island Chain.' That runs through Japan.
Although the Y-20 is not as efficient in aerial refuelling capabilities as Western aircraft, it does use so-called soft gas line technology, which is capable of transmitting fuel at speeds of up to four,540 liters per minute over distances up to five miles. It will also use video cameras to aid the crew in their tanking process, which is similar to Russian tankers such the Il-78 Midas.
The Y-20 can refuel three aircraft at a given time. This number could increase to six or seven later on. It can also transport four tons of fuel, almost twice the amount it can carry onboard.
It can also refuel and perform standard cargo transport missions. Its high speed, low cost, and high cruising height make it an excellent choice when flying long distance cargo international flights.
It is the largest cargo plane in the world, with a wingspan of 45 meters and a wing area of 330 square meters. It can carry upto 7,700 kilograms of cargo and up to 20 passengers.
The Y-20 is a collaborative effort between several aerospace companies. Advanced technologies have been used to drive the development of this aircraft. These technologies include aerodynamics as well as large-scale structural designs, supercritical wings, integrated avionics systems, and high-reliability controllers. 3D printing technology is also used in the aircraft to produce parts not usually manufactured by traditional means. This allows for faster production cycles and lower manufacturing costs.