China prepares to project power with new cargo plane and navy ship
Date
2/10/2016 11:10:52 PM
(MENAFN- Asia Times) “785” Y-20 military cargo plane prototype. While currently fitted with Russian engines it will be flying with more powerful Chinese WS-20 engines by 2020.
The Y-20 is a 200-ton 7800 km ranged four-engined heavy transport with a 66-ton payload. “788” reportedly the fifth Y-20 prototype flew in late 2015. Since then reports suggest that the Y-20’s development has been completed and production will begin this year.
Built by Xian Aircraft Corporation the Y-20 will soon be the heaviest military transport aircraft in production (Boeing has recently closed the C-17A Globemaster factory). Eventually China will install more powerful WS-20 turbofan engines on the Y-20 to extend its range and shorten the runway needed during takeoff.
Additionally the Y-20’s huge carrying capacity makes it a potential candidate to carry the same range of payloads that are envisioned for the C-17 from mobile hospitals to electronic warfare suites to a mothership for drones.
The Type 901 ship clocking in at 45000 tons of full displacement can carry tens of thousands of tons in supplies such as marine and aviation fuel ammunition spare parts and food. Read more
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.