Nicknamed 'Chubby Girl', the Y-20 (Kunpeng) aircraft, which is reportedly China's largest multi-role tanker aircraft, is expected to take to the skies during the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD 2024) being held from Wednesday to Sunday.
The multi-role transporter is expected to perform “carefully choreographed manoeuvres” during the five-day AAD 2024, which is South Africa's largest aerospace and defence exhibition.
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“We will strive to demonstrate the outstanding performance of the Y-20 and the excellent combat prowess of Chinese air force pilots,” PLA Daily quoted a Chinese defence personnel as saying.
An export-oriented version of the aircraft the Y-20BE, developed by the state-owned Xian Aircraft Corporation, is being promoted by China at various airshows. It was showcased at the recently concluded Egypt International Airshow.
Notable for its significant transport capacity and advanced technology, the Y-20 has a maximum cargo capacity of 66 tons, making it suitable for transporting military equipment such as tanks and helicopters over long distances.
It has been dubbed as “a plane from China that the US truly fears,” as it significantly boosts the Chinese military’s amphibious attack capabilities.
The aircraft was first delivered to the PLAAF(People's Liberation Army Air Force) on July 6, 2016. Since then it has participated in various missions, including humanitarian aid deliveries and military exercises.
