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 created the Y-20 in order to address China’s needs for heavy-lift capabilities and strategic deliveries. It combines features of the Y-8, Il-76 and the U.S. C-17A, and has a high-performance, high-speed flight envelope, large cargo capacity and low cost.
The Chinese heavy-lift military vehicle was first revealed in 2012. Its first prototype was displayed in 2013. Its wing is based on the Y-8/Il-76 aircraft. To increase the aircraft's carrying capability, the fuselage has been enlarged and deepened. Its supercritical wings, integrated Avionics Systems and high-reliability Control Systems make it a reliable and strong airlifter.
It has a long range, heavy load, fast flight speed and high cruising altitude, making it ideal for a large-scale strategic delivery mission. 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, according to China's state media, is aerial refueling. This can be done to support longer range flights by fighters and bombers and to transport personnel or equipment. A Y-20 aircraft participated in an aerial refueling mission close to Taiwan in November. This marks a key step in the PLAAF's efforts to extend its combat operations beyond the 'First Island Chain,' which 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. It will also reportedly use video cameras to guide the crew in its tanking process, similar to Russian tankers like the Il-78 Midas.
The Y-20 will be able to refuel three aircraft at a stretch, which may increase to six or seven. It can also transport four tons of fuel, almost twice the amount it can carry onboard.
It can also refuel and perform standard cargo transport missions. Its low cost, speed, and high cruising altitude make this an excellent choice for international long-distance 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 carry up 7,000kg of cargo and can take up to twenty passengers.
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 and large-scale structural design. Supercritical wings, integrated avionics system, high-reliability control, and integrated avionics. 3D printing technology was used to make parts that were not possible by traditional manufacturing methods. This expedited the manufacturing cycle and cut down on manufacturing costs.