China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft

Xsizor said:

That the D-30KP equipped Y-20 having Thrust reverser is common knowledge. But WS-20 on Y-20 having them is not clear.

Since WS-20 is a new engine and since we have only one example Y-20 equipping them, it won't be a surprise to have Thrust Reversal be not included. C-17 is not at all a party to this issue.

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I understand there is no photo yet, but was thrust reverser is a "must-have" part in large engines nowadays?

what you were asking makes me feels like you are questioning if a new sedan in 2021 have an ABS or not...

Xsizor said:

Yes. I just wanted someone to point the dual colorings ( although I must say that I went with the clam type TR similar to D-30KP).

In any way, there is only just a possibility and "we have no confirmation" is the right answer for the time being.

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Nope. Your answer would be wrong. We do not need confirmation. It *has* reverse thrusters

Thrust reverser is a must have in every large moden passenger and cargo jets. Even the ancient 737-200 that is older than most of your grandfathers already deployed thrust reverser. It is not a subject of debate whether Y20 has thrust reverser or not, but rather what type of thrust reverser it used.

tupolevtu144 said:

It's not that simple because unless they have already factored in the increased thrust, increased drag, increased lift and the shift in center of gravity the new engines will cause when they were designing the plane in first place, i think there will be problems on the hardware side as well.

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LOL, sounds like a 737 MAX issue.

tupolevtu144 said:

It's not that simple because unless they have already factored in the increased thrust, increased drag, increased lift and the shift in center of gravity the new engines will cause when they were designing the plane in first place, i think there will be problems on the hardware side as well.

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It should be already considered in the development phase of Y20. This new engine probably started development before Y20 started, given the history that China always faces more challenges and delays when developing new engines. And it’s not unusual for these tankers/air lifters to change engines during mid-life upgrade/service, KC-135, KC-10, C-5 all have changed to new type of engines for old planes.

Installing roller rails for airdrop on a Y-9.

Any update about the MA600/MA700?

Kind of seems like they're abandoning the troubled MA60/600 for the MA700 but development is going really slowly

sndef888 said:

Any update about the MA600/MA700?

Kind of seems like they're abandoning the troubled MA60/600 for the MA700 but development is going really slowly

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After the US "entity listing" of Xian, I think we are going to see if this aircraft reappear after two years. Swapping systems from foreign suppliers isn't that easy.

As far as I remember this is the so far clearest image of a Y-20U tanker.
Clearly visible are the two wing-mounted IFR-pods but also the unique centreline station.

From the huge flag on its tail it is most likely a / the (?) prototype.

(Image via HNAPA)

A tour of an empty Y-9 medevac variant. The interior features two intensive care beds located in the forward portion and an additional 15 beds mounted on racks.