China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft

In April we got that image of the possibly first Y-20 tanker within an active unit. Is there any indication as to how many airframes might be in service by now?
Also, what is the designation of the tanker variant? Y-20U perhaps?

Totoro said:

In April we got that image of the possibly first Y-20 tanker within an active unit. Is there any indication as to how many airframes might be in service by now?
Also, what is the designation of the tanker variant? Y-20U perhaps?

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Exactly ... most likely called Y-20U - even if Y-20AU would also make seince since based on the Y-20A - and as per @huitong it "entered the service with the PLAAF 13th Division, along with Il-78s, wearing a low-visibility color scheme. It was rumored that two (20241, 20242?) are currently in service."

ZeEa5KPul said:

I don't know what his point was...

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Neither does he, but he doesn't know that.

First trans continental flight of Y 20 from Henri K blog. It is milestone in Chinese strategic lift

A few more.

Meanwhile, in Russia...

We're up to 20145 now.

by78 said:

We're up to 20145 now.

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View attachment 76585

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And that makes 28 confirmed operational Y-20As in two Trainsport Divisions.

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Deino said:

And that makes 28 confirmed operational Y-20As in two Trainsport Divisions.

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Interesting PS ... no. 20145 formerly was a Y-8C!