China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft

There were a few reports that assume the Y-20 has already entered service within a PLAAF division based at Qionglai !

... however IMO that's clearly the no. 1 serial 781 / 20001 and even more I can't think that the PLAAF introduces a prototype into an operational frontline division.

Maybe simply a welcome visit for the future airlifter.

Deino

Deino said:

There were a few reports that assume the Y-20 has already entered service within a PLAAF division based at Qionglai !

... however IMO that's clearly the no. 1 serial 781 / 20001 and even more I can't think that the PLAAF introduces a prototype into an operational frontline division.

Maybe simply a welcome visit for the future airlifter.

Deino

View attachment 23211

Click to expand...

Indeed he may be added to the service when not needed anymore for testing after at least several aircraft have been built and inducted.

Most likely the Y20 was there to have a trial run with the air force personnel to establish ground handling procedures in actual operational environment in an air base..

They may want to train/orientate the future ground crew for Y20 now instead of after it is inducted into service. This could quicken the time line for Y20's entrance into service with PLAAF.

That is just two cent worth of my mind.

PLAAF Il-78 seen for the first time in action ...

What type of fighter is the il78 refuelling? MKKs?

Finally a clear image of no. 5 !

Has there been any Y-20s with WS-20 engines, even for testing purposes?

Blackstone said:

Has there been any Y-20s with WS-20 engines, even for testing purposes?

Click to expand...

Not until the engine is ready.

Deino said:

Finally a clear image of no. 5 !

View attachment 23471

Click to expand...

that is actually the color of some early CGIs

Y-20 R & D Fully Completed.

2015年，航空业务发展亮点纷呈。航空装备研制生产再创佳绩。作为我国“三个大飞机”研制的主力军，圆满完成了大运研制的各项工作，大型水陆两栖飞机AG600全面进入总装，全力支持的C919大型客机顺利下线。民机和通用航空产业发展进入历史新阶段，“新舟”700获185架订单，首个部件下线，运12E完成适航取证。