Y-20 Kunpeng
Y-20 at Airshow China 2016
Role Strategic airlifter
National origin People's Republic of China
Manufacturer Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation[1]
Designer Tang Changhong[2]
First flight 26 January 2013
Introduction 6 July 2016[3][4]
Status In service, in production[3][4]
Primary user People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)
Produced 2013–present
Number built 58 as of February, 2022[5]

The Xi'an Y-20 Kunpeng[6] (Chinese: 运-20 鲲鹏; pinyin: Yùn-20 Kūnpéng; lit. 'Transport-20 Kunpeng') is a large military transport aircraft developed by the Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation for the People's Republic of China (PRC).[1]

While the official series name of the aircraft is Kunpeng, a mythical giant fish-bird from the Taoist classic Zhuangzi, it is nicknamed "Chubby Chick" (Chinese: 胖妞; pinyin: Pàng niū) in the Chinese aviation industry because its fuselage is much wider than aircraft previously developed in China.[7][8][9]

Development

Y-20 prototype at Airshow China 2014

The Y-20 project began in July 2007.[10] Images of the Y-20 prototype emerged at the end of 2012.[11] The first flight occurred on 26 January 2013.[1]

According to Chinese media, the Y-20 is the first cargo aircraft to use 3D printing technology.[12] To speed up the development, reduce the workload, and lower its manufacturing cost, Model-based definition (MBD) design technique was also implemented, and it was the third aircraft to utilize MBD technology in the world, after Airbus A380 (2000) and Boeing 787 (2005).[10] A project team to implement MBD for the Y-20 program was formally formed in October 2009, and after the initial success in application on the main landing gear, MBD application was expanded to the entire aircraft and became mandatory for all contractors and sub-contractors of the Y-20 program.[10]

The implementation of MBD was initially met with strong resistance, with only a third of suppliers agreeing to implement MBD. However, the general designer of Y-20 declared that those who refused to implement MBD would be banned from participating in the Y-20 program, thus forcing everyone to comply, resulting in increases in productivity.[10] The implementation of MBD greatly shortened the time required. For example, without MBD, installation of wings takes a month or two, but with MBD adopted, the time is drastically shortened to just a few hours, and in general, the design work was reduced by 40%, preparation for production was reduced by 75%, and manufacturing cycle reduced by 30%.[10] The structural test was completed in 194 days as opposed to the 300 days originally planned, thanks to the successful development and application of an automated structural strength analysis system.[10] In comparison, similar work for the Xian JH-7 took a year.[10]

In addition to 3D printing, the Y-20 is also the first aircraft in China to adopt a Relational-Data-Base-Management (RDBM) system for its development.[10] Headed by the deputy general designer of structural design, Mr. Feng Jun (冯军), the initial attempt to implement RDBM actually failed after two months spent on the application on the nose section. It was only after the second attempt, which took another three months on the application on wings did RDBM became successful.[10] The adaptation of RDBM greatly shortened the development time by at least eight months, and the modification of wing design that previously took a week is shortened to half a day.[10] The development of human-machine interface for the Y-20 utilized virtual reality via helmet-mounted display[7]

The airlifter was developed into the Y-20U tanker variant to expand the PLAAF's aerial refueling capability beyond its existing limited and obsolescent Xian H-6U fleet. Evidence of the tanker variant emerged in 2018 with satellite images;[13] its first flight occurred that year.[6] They had begun performing aerial refueling by 2021[13] and formally entered PLAAF service in 2022.[6]

In 2020, the Y-20B variant was observed undergoing in-flight testing with four Xian WS-20 high-bypass engines. The variant entered service in 2023.[14]

Design

Y-20 production model at Airshow China 2016

Characteristics

The Y-20 uses components made of composite materials.[15] Eight types of different relays used on Y-20 are developed by Guilin Aerospace Co., Ltd. a wholly own subsidiary of China Tri-River Aerospace Group Co., Ltd.(中国三江航天集团), which is also known as the 9th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).[16] The composites were produced in China, whereas in the past they had to be imported.[17] The Y-20's cabin incorporates flame-retardant composites developed by the 703 Institute of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The 703 Institute was created in March 2009, with development taking three years. The performance of the composites is reportedly comparable to those that fulfil FAR Part 25.835. The 703 Institute achieved another milestone by establishing a comprehensive Chinese evaluation and certification system for aircraft composite materials based on international standards.[16]

Cargo is loaded through a large aft ramp that accommodates rolling stock. The Y-20 incorporates a shoulder wing, T-tail, rear cargo-loading assembly, and heavy-duty retractable landing gear, consisting of three rows, with a pair of wheels for each row, totaling six wheels for each side. According to the deputy general designer, the shortest take-off distance of the Y-20 is 600 to 700 metres (2,000 to 2,300 ft).[7] Y-20 incorporates a total of four large LCD EFIS displays.[7]

Propulsion

The Y-20 prototypes were powered by four 12-ton thrust Soloviev D-30KP-2 engines,[1][18] and the aircraft entered production with those engines.[13]

The Chinese intend to replace the D-30 with the 14-ton thrust Shenyang WS-20, which is required for the Y-20 to achieve its maximum cargo capacity of 66 tons.[18] The WS-20 is derived from the core of the Shenyang WS-10A, an indigenous Chinese turbofan engine for fighter aircraft.[19] Single-engine testing with the WS-20 may have occurred by February 2019.[20] Four-engine in-flight testing may have occurred by December 2020.[21] The engine was in development in late-2021.[2]

In 2013, the Shenyang Engine Design and Research Institute was reportedly developing the SF-A, a 28700-pound thrust engine, for the Y-20 and the Comac C919. The SF-A is derived from the core of the WS-15. Compared to the WS-20, the SF-A is a conservative design that does not seek to match the technology of more modern engines.[22]

Testing with the WS-18 may have occurred by late 2017. Compared to the D-30, the WS-18 is 300 kg lighter, weighing in at 2000 kg; with thrust increased from 12.5 per ton of the D-30 to 13.2 per ton; and fuel consumption of the WS-18 is also reduced in comparison to the D-30, and the mean time between overhaul of the WS-18 is 3000 hours.[23][24] However, because the increase in thrust is not significant in comparison to the D-30, the WS-18 is likely to be a stopgap measure before the WS-20 is ready.[23][24]

In March 2023, Y-20 equipped with the WS-20 engines was likely incorporated into the PLAAF service.[25] Photos showed Y-20 with the PLAAF roundels and colors at Kaifeng Air Base.[26] In the same month, the executive of Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced the that China "[had] overcome all technical bottlenecks" with engines such as WS-20.[27]

Transport capacity

The Y-20's four-meter tall hold can lift up to 66 tons, and transport up to 2 Type 15 tanks or 1 Type 99A tank over a distance of 7800 km.[28]

The aircraft provides various internal configurations, in which one of which allows for a separate passenger deck above the cargo. Rails are mounted on the ceiling to facilitate offloading in areas where the rear ramp is inaccessible.[29]

Operational history

Production

In 2014, a report from the People's Liberation Army's National Defence University stated that the PRC's civil and military transport needed 400 Y-20s.[1] In 2016, Zhu Qian of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China stated that more than a thousand were needed.[30]

After incorporating the Y-20 into the PLAAF service, analysts noted Y-20 had an extremely quick production rate, with a large amount of production aircraft spotted inside the PLAAF testing base.[31] By 2023, PLAAF was equipped with 67 Y-20 aircraft.[32]

According to the assessment of Aviation Week, Y-20 was scheduled to replace Russian airframes, including the Ilyushin Il-76 and H-6U tanker variants. Analyst Matt Jouppi suggested airborne early warning and control was likely under development, and by 2032, China would likely have 75 YY-20 tankers and more than 100 Y-20 transport.[32]

Deployment

Chinese Ambassador and Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte in front of Y-20 cargo doors

On 6 July 2016 the first serial Y-20 (serial number 11051) was handed over to the PLAAF in a ceremony.[33] The second aircraft numbered 11052 followed soon after - it was assigned to the 12th Regiment of the 4th Transport Division at Qionglai, Chengdu.[34]

On 8 May 2018, it was announced by PLAAF's military media that Y-20 had recently conducted its first joint airdrop training operations with the PLAAF airborne troops.[35]

A Y-20 landing at Beijing Capital International Airport to transport the Sinopharm BIBP vaccine to Cambodia in February 2021

On 13 February 2020, the Y-20 was part of a fleet that delivered supplies and personnel to Wuhan. The operation was part of an effort to mitigate what became the COVID-19 pandemic. A fleet of 11 aircraft delivered 2,600 military medical staff to Wuhan. The PLAAF fleet of 11 aircraft consists of 6 Y-20s, 3 Il-76s, and 2 Y-9s transport aircraft.[36][37] This is Y-20's first civilian mission, signaling the increasing military involvement in pandemic response.[38]

On 5 June 2021, PLAAF transport aircraft fleet, including Y-20, was observed patrolling the South China Sea, which was accused of intrusion by Malaysia.[9] Japanese Air Self-Defense Force analyst Aita Moriki believed the Chinese action was to display airborne corp's power projection capabilities.[39]

On 28 November 2021, Y-20U aerial tanker was spotted around the southwest side of the Taiwan island among 27 military aircraft. This is the first observation of Y-20U outside inland China.[40]

On 27 January 2022, two Y-20 aircraft arrived in Tonga after traveling over 10,000 kilometers from Guangzhou Baiyun, delivering 33 tons of supplies including food, fresh water, water purifiers, and tents due to the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai eruption and tsunami.[41]

On 9 April 2022, six Y-20 aircraft landed at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport in Serbia, reportedly delivering a shipment of FK-3 surface-to-air missile systems.[42]

On 28 June 2022, six Y-20 arrived in Afghanistan to deliver 105 tonnes of humanitarian aid in response to June 2022 Afghanistan earthquake.[43]

On 1 August 2022, Senior Colonel and PLAAF spokesperson, Shen Jinke, told a press conference that Y-20 tanker aircraft started combat readiness training. The aircraft is confirmed in PLAAF service[6] with the confirmed designation YY-20.[44][40] The designation was later confirmed as YY-20 at Zhuhai Airshow 2022. The YY-20 features redesigned landing gear sponsons with sharper front and back ends, which reduces air turbulence.[45] In September 2022, Chinese released footage of Y-20 tankers providing aerial refueling to Chengdu J-20 fighters.[46]

In early September 2022, Y-20 was present at the Airpower 22 airshow in Austria. This was the first time that the Y-20 was present at an airshow in Western Europe.[47]

Variants

YY-20 in flight with low visible insignias
Y-20A
Base variant, with Soloviev D-30KP-2 engines.
Y-20B
Variant with four WS-20 engines.[21]
YY-20A
Aerial tanker variant based on Y-20A. It's capable of carrying about 90 tons of fuel, similar to the role of Il-78.[48] The tanker variant features redesigned landing gear sponsors. Previously known as Y-20U or YU-20,[44] but was confirmed as YY-20.[45][49]
YY-20B
Aerial tanker variant based on Y-20B.[32]
Y-20 AEW
Airborne early warning and control variant under development.[48]

Controversy

On 13 July 2016, Chinese national Su Bin pleaded guilty and admitted to charges that he conspired with others to hack into U.S. defense contractor Boeing and steal documents related to the development of the C-17, F-22 and F-35 aircraft. Once the information was stolen, he admitted to analyzing and translating documents from English to Chinese, which he then emailed to the Second Department of the People's Liberation Army General Staff Department. Su Bin admitted he did so for financial gain, and sought to profit from the data that was stolen. In addition to financial gain, court documents revealed, in emails to the Second Department of the PLA, Su Bin noted the information, "...has extremely vital significance in our country's speeding up the development," of Project A, revealed to be China's program to develop the Xi'an Y-20.[50][51]

Operators

Specifications (Y-20B)

Y-20A in PLAAF low-visibility markings

Data from Military Today[53]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3
  • Capacity: 66,000 kg (145,505 lb)[54]
  • Length: 47 m (154 ft 2 in) [55]
  • Wingspan: 50 m (164 ft 1 in) [55]
  • Empty weight: 100,000 kg (220,462 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 220,000[56] kg (485,017 lb)
  • Powerplant: 4 × Shenyang WS-20 turbofans turbofan engines, 140 kN (31,000[57] lbf) thrust each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: Mach 0.75
  • Cruise speed: 630 km/h (390 mph, 340 kn)
  • Range: 7,800 km (4,800 mi, 4,200 nmi) with 2 Type 15 tanks[58]
  • Ferry range: 10,000 km (6,200 mi, 5,400 nmi) with 16.5 tons of freight [41]
  • Service ceiling: 13,000 m (43,000 ft)
  • Wing loading: 710 kg/m2 (150 lb/sq ft)

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Xian Y-20.

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Fisher, Richard D Jr; Hardy, James (28 July 2014). "China's NDU recommends 400-strong Y-20 fleet". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 Waldron, Greg (30 September 2021). "Indigenous engines for Y-20 proceeding well: aircraft designer". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  3. 1 2 "运-20飞机授装接装仪式举行 许其亮出席并讲话" (in Chinese). Xinhua News Agency. 6 July 2016. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  4. 1 2 "中国空军列装运-20飞机提升战略投送能力" (in Chinese). Xinhua News Agency. 6 July 2016. Archived from the original on 6 July 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  5. 1 2 For Strategic Studies (Iiss), The International Institute (15 February 2023). "6 Asia". The Military Balance 2023. London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003400226. ISBN 9781003400226. S2CID 256916955. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  6. 1 2 3 4 Kadidal, Akhil (2 August 2022). "China commissions Y-20 air refueller". Janes.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Y-20". Sina Corp. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  8. ↑ "EUROPEAN AIRSHOW DEBUT OF THE XI'AN Y-20 KUNPENG". European Airshows.
  9. 1 2 Huang, Kristin (5 June 2021). "China's 'Chubby Girl' military transport plane at the centre of Malaysia row". South China Morning Post.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Development of the Y-20". Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  11. ↑ Trimble, Stephen (27 December 2012). "Chinese Y-20 revealed in new online pictures". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  12. ↑ "运-20首创，全球第一款成功采用3D打印技术的大型运输机". Tencent News. 7 May 2021.
  13. 1 2 3 Waldron, Greg (6 January 2022). "Y-20U tanker set to boost Beijing's air-to-air refuelling capability". Gale General OneFile. FlightGlobal. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  14. ↑ Newdick, Thomas (6 April 2023). "Our Best Look At China's Re-Engined Y-20B Cargo Jet". The Drive.
  15. ↑ Sweetman, Bill; Perrett, Bradley (4 February 2013). "Avic Y-20 Airlifter Awaits Better Engines". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  16. 1 2 胡光曲, ed. (5 February 2013). "運20機艙裝備國產新型複合材料 提高防火性能". 华夏经纬网. Archived from the original on 24 April 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
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  20. ↑ "WS-20 begun test on Yun-20". Sohu. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  21. 1 2 Newdick, Thomas (3 December 2020). "China's Y-20 Transport Appears To Be Finally Flying With Indigenous Jet Engines". The Drive.
  22. ↑ Perret, Bradley (7 November 2013). "Avic Engine Pushes Alternative To ACAE CJ-1000 Turbofan For the C919". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 10 April 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  23. 1 2 "WS-18 begun flight test on Y-20". Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
  24. 1 2 "Three engines for Yun-20". Sohu. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
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  26. ↑ "China Brings New WS-20 Turbofan Engines Into Service For Y-20 Transports: A Major Boost to Airlift Capabilities". Military Watch Magazine. 24 March 2023.
  27. ↑ Chen, Chuanren (27 March 2023). "China Seeks Superalloys, Supply Chain Boost For Military Engines". Aviation Week.
  28. ↑ Makichuk, Dave (8 April 2020). "Y-20 war wagon can transport two Type 15 tanks". Asia Times. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
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  30. ↑ Zhao Lei (3 June 2016). "Deliveries of huge aircraft expected soon". China Daily. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  31. ↑ Rogoway, Tyler (30 December 2019). "A Whopping 20 Y-20 Airlifters Seen At Chinese Aircraft Plant And Test Base". The Drive.
  32. 1 2 3 Perrett, Bradley (4 October 2023). "Y-20 Revolutionizes China's Airlifter And Tanker Capacity".
  33. ↑ "运-20飞机授装接装仪式举行 许其亮出席并讲话" (in Chinese). Xinhua. 6 July 2016. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  34. ↑ "@Rupprecht_A on Twitter". Archived from the original on 2018-10-27. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
  35. ↑ Huang, Panyue (12 June 2018). "Y-20's completion of first heavy equipment airdrop is of great significance". China Military.
  36. ↑ "2,600 PLA medical staff arrive in Wuhan". YouTube.
  37. ↑ "1,400 military medics arrive in Wuhan to fight epidemic".
  38. ↑ Trevithick, Joseph (13 February 2020). "China's Y-20 Airlifters Make Crisis Debut Bringing Medics And Cargo To Virus Plagued Wuhan". The Drive.
  39. ↑ Aita Moriki (6 May 2022). "The True Meaning of the Chinese Air Force's Flying Transport Aircraft Near Malaysia: Airborne Units in Power Projection". China Aerospace Studies Institute.
  40. 1 2 Dubois, Gastón (1 August 2022). "hina officially unveils YU-20, the tanker aircraft derived from the Y-20". Aviaci Online.
  41. 1 2 "Global Times: PLA's Y-20 cargo planes deliver disaster relief supplies to Tonga in record-breaking mission | the Edge Markets". Archived from the original on 2022-02-18. Retrieved 2022-01-28.
  42. ↑ Stojanovic, Dusan (2022-04-10). "China makes semi-secret delivery of missiles to Serbia". Associated Press. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  43. ↑ Chik, Holly (1 July 2022). "Chinese PLA's biggest Y-20 warplanes boost aid delivery to quake-hit Afghanistan". South China Morning Post.
  44. 1 2 Waldron, Greg (2 August 2022). "Beijing commissions tanker variant of Y-20 strategic transport". flight global.
  45. 1 2 Trevithick, Joseph (7 November 2022). "All The Air Combat Developments Out Of China's Massive Air Show". The Drive.
  46. ↑ Waldron, Greg (30 September 2022). "Chinese Y-20U flies in formation with pair of J-20s".
  47. ↑ Jarc, Aljoša; Cenciotti, David (18 September 2022). "Beyond the Airshow: Zeltweg Was The 'Field Of Battle' For Industries And International Powers". The Aviationist.
  48. 1 2 Makichuk, Dave (26 February 2020). "China's Y-20 variants make rapid progress: officer". Asia Times.
  49. ↑ Arthur, Gordon (2 August 2022). "PLAAF unveils YY-20 air-to-air tanker aircraft". Shephard Media.
  50. ↑ "GOVERNMENT ' S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT SU BIN ' S POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SENTENCING ; DECLARATIONS OF JOHN KORSTIAN , NICOLAS DESIMINI , AND SPECIAL AGENT ROBERT I . KNUFF". DOJ.gov. Department of Justice. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  51. ↑ "Chinese National Who Conspired to Hack into U.S. Defense Contractors' Systems Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison". DOJ.gov. Department of Justice. 13 July 2016.
  52. 1 2 International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2022, p.263
  53. ↑ "y-20". Military Today.
  54. ↑ "China's Y-20 aircraft capable of transporting two Type 15 lightweight tanks, claims state media".
  55. 1 2 Zhao Lei. "Y-20 gives air power a push". China Daily. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  56. ↑ "China's Y-20 aircraft capable of transporting two Type 15 lightweight tanks, claims state media".
  57. ↑ https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/our-best-look-at-chinas-re-engined-y-20b-cargo-jet
  58. ↑ "Y-20 cargo plane-Type 15 tank combination enhances Chinese military capability - China Military". Eng.chinamil.com.cn. 2019-10-01. Retrieved 2022-04-12.

Bibliography

  • The International Institute for Strategic Studies (2021). The Military Balance 2021. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-032-01227-8.
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