China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft

[lcloo]

Does the J-20s also land there or turns back?

J20s will not enter South Korean air space.

 

[siegecrossbow]

Does the J-20s also land there or turns back?

Just there to escort the Y-20 when it is coming back with the remains. Don’t think it exits Heilongjiang airspace at any point.

 

[Deino]

AFAIK for the first time photos from the production line

 

[taxiya]

Some more noise on the heavy transport. Basically:

“By the time of the crewed Moon landing, China’s domestically produced large airplane should be able to operate the flight.”


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Why do people make connection between Y-20 and the moon landing?

 

[sunnymaxi]

Why do people make connection between Y-20 and the moon landing?

they were talking about super heavy strategic airlifter in C-5/AN-124 category. a strong rumor emerged recently from trusted PLA sources.

 

[antiterror13]

AFAIK for the first time photos from the production line

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Interesting, so clean and modern. At least I see 4 in final assembly, likely more that we can't see in the photo

 

[ismellcopium]

AFAIK for the first time photos from the production line

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So still simultaneous YY-20A & Y-20B production currently (or recently)?

 

[sunnymaxi]

Interesting, so clean and modern. At least I see 4 in final assembly, likely more that we can't see in the photo

Y-20 was the first aircraft project in mainland China to adapt Model-based definition (MBD) manufacturing system. The implementation of MBD greatly shortened the time required for assembling critical parts. the design work was reduced by 40%, preparation for production was reduced by 75%, and manufacturing cycle reduced by 30%. in fact they implemented this MBD method to all components contractors to enhance the efficiency.

XAC also implemented automated structural strength analysis system. structural test was reduced to 194 days as opposed to the 300 days originally planned.

heavy use of 3D printed in many components and parts. very few people know, it was actually Y-20 that changed the AVIC manufacturing method.

 

[sunnymaxi]

So still simultaneous YY-20A & Y-20B production currently (or recently)?

should be 16-18 months old images. they don't reveal recent footage.

most likely Y-20A production have stopped at least since mid 2025.

 

[ismellcopium]

Any news/rumours on a YY-20B tanker with centreline fueling yet?