China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft
- Thread starter Totoro
- Start date
So is this image a PS too? Just to be sure.
And that means Y-20 with WS-20 has started to be mass produced.
No, the image itself is real ... I've seen one in much higher resolution and it is the WS-20 powered one, 100% for sure.
As for your second question, also NO. I think it is too early to think production has started already with WS-20 engines since the prototype is surely not certified yet.
Still a couple more steps on the project management timeline before XAC puts new WS-20 engined Y-20s into mass production imho - its not like building Lego where you put on new parts and end up with a finished product.
The Y-20s we've seen with WS-20s from the recent satellite images (and not photoshopped!!!) are likely test platforms for initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) to ensure that the actual performance meets the PLAAF's specifications. Moreover new engines would most likely mean new operating (normal, emergency, and tactical) procedures will need to be developed or existing procedures to be adjusted. Only then will the WS-20s reach Initial Operational Capability so that XAC ramps up Y-20 production from LRIP to full scale production and WS-20 engined Y-20s can be fielded on front line units.
Last edited:
I didn't know that specifics like certification procedures and status were followed here in the forum. Neither do have I come across any previous instance of such. Maybe I missed some threads.
I'm pretty sure it will take 2-3 years (or longer) before we see WS-20 equipped Y-20B carrying out missions. The Y-20 first flew in 2013, and it wasn't until late 2016 when Y-20As were combat ready.
