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.
China's Aviation Industry Corporation of China has developed the Y-20, which is specifically tailored to Chinese requirements for heavy-lift capacity and strategic delivery. It combines many features from the Y-8, Il-76, and the U.S. C-17A.
This Chinese heavy-lifting military transport was first presented in 2012 and the prototype was revealed in 2013. Its wing is based on the Y-8/Il-76 aircraft. The fuselage is enlarged and deepened to increase the aircraft's carrying capacity. Its supercritical wings, integrated avionics systems and high-reliability control systems make it a reliable and powerful airlifter.
It is ideal for large-scale strategic distribution missions because of its long range, heavy weight, high flight speed, and high cruising height. Previously, strategic deliveries were made by the PLA Airforce using Il-76 or An-124 aircraft. However, now the PLA Air Force has its own airlift platform and the Y-20.
One of its most important capabilities is aerial refueling, which China's state-owned media says it can carry out to support longer-range flights by its fighters and bombers, in addition to transporting personnel and equipment. A Y-20 Y-20 aircraft took part on an aerial refueling mission, near Taiwan, in November. This marks a crucial step in PLAAF’s efforts beyond the 'First Island Chain.' It runs through Japan and Taiwan.
Although the Y-20 doesn't have the same aerial refueling capabilities as Western aircrafts, it employs so-called "soft gaz line technology" that can transmit fuel over distances exceeding five miles at a rate four,540 liters/second. The crew will be guided through the tanking process by video cameras, much like Russian tankers such as the Il-78 Midas.
The Y-20 is capable of refueling three aircraft simultaneously, a number which could rise to six or seven future. It will also have the ability to transport more fuel than it can currently hold, which will be about twice its current capacity.
Apart from its refueling capabilities, it can carry out 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.
With a 45 meter wingspan and a wing surface of 330 square metres, it is the largest cargo plane on the planet. It can carry upto 7,000 kilograms of cargo, and can seat up to 20 people.
The Y-20 is a result of collaboration between a number aerospace companies. A series of advanced technologies drove the development of the 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.