Y-20 aircraft are an important part of the Chinese military's airlift capacity. These massive cargo aircraft have many uses. They are capable of transporting supplies for humanitarian relief and rescuing foreign nationals in difficult spots (noncombatant Evacuation), as well as delivering elite paratroopers across the globe to remote 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 elements of the Y-8/Il-76 and U.S. C-17A and offers a high-performance, high-speed flight envelope with large cargo capacity at a low cost.
The first Chinese heavy-lift military transport, the Chinese heavy-lift military transport, was unveiled in 2012. The first prototype was shown in 2013. Its wing is shaped on the basis of the Y-8 and Il-76 aircraft. To increase the aircraft’s carrying capacity, the fuselage was enlarged and deeperened. Its supercritical wings with integrated avionics systems, high-reliability controller systems, and integrated avionics make it a reliable airlifter.
It is able to fly at high altitudes and with a heavy load, has long range and high flight speed, making it ideal in large-scale strategic delivery missions. Previously, the PLA Air Force relied on Il-76 and An-124 aircraft for strategic deliveries, but now it has its own airlift platform with 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 aircraft participated in an aerial refueling mission close to 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 may not be as capable as Western aircraft for aerial refuelling, it uses "soft gas line technology" which allows fuel to be transmitted over distances upto five miles at a rate up to four,540 liters each second. The crew of the Y-20 will be able to follow the process through tanking with video cameras similar to Russian tankers, such as the Il-78 Midas.
The Y-20 will be capable of refueling three aircraft at a time, a number that may rise to six or seven in the future. It will also be capable of delivering more than four tonnes of fuel to the aircraft, nearly twice what it can currently carry.
The aircraft can perform standard cargo transport missions, in addition to its ability to refuel. Its low cost, high cruising altitude and speed make it an excellent choice for long-distance international cargo flights.
It is the largest cargo aircraft in the world with a length of 45 meters and an area of 330 m2. It can transport up to 7,000 kg of cargo and can hold up to 20 passengers.
The Y-20 was developed by a variety of aerospace companies. It is the result of a collaboration. Aerodynamics, large-scale structure design, supercritical wings, integrated Avionics Systems and high-reliability Controls are just a few of the technologies. 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.