tech
China Shows Off Aircraft That Changes Military Transport Capabilities
BEIJING – Chinese state media have released new details about the capabilities of the Y-20B heavy transport aircraft, after the aircraft was recently used in a mission to repatriate the remains of the 13th group of Chinese soldiers from South Korea.
TL;DR
- The Y-20B heavy transport aircraft has been upgraded with domestic WS-20 engines.
- These new engines offer improved fuel efficiency, greater range, better performance, and increased cargo capacity.
- The Y-20B's visual distinction from older models is its larger engine diameter and improved bypass ratio.
- This upgrade is seen as crucial for China's military transport modernization, reducing dependence on foreign technology.
- Potential future developments based on the Y-20 platform include electronic warfare aircraft, airborne command posts, and early warning systems.
- A tanker variant (YY-20) and an airborne early warning and control system (KJ-3000) are also mentioned as developments.