First clear pictures of the Y-20B revealed!
Although the Chinese military are desperately trying to reduce the publication of fence photography around airports it has not prevented one person to get a picture of the prototype of the new Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAIC) Y-20B transport aircraft near the final assembly line at Xi’an-Yanliang.
The main new feature on the aircraft is the high by-pass Shenyang WS-20 engines that replaces the fuel guzzling Russian D-30KP-2 engines that power all Y-20As currently in service with the People's Liberation Army - Air Force (PLAAF, China Air Force). It is believed that the prototype made its first flight in November 2020.
Another detail released a few days ago is the addition of a flood-light in the leading edge of the vertical tail, that is speculated to be very handy during aerial refuelling with the aircraft on the receiving end. It is not yet confirmed whether this light, and in-flight refuelling capability, is fitted to this particular aircraft.
The serial number 7810 on this still unpainted aircraft can be explained as the earlier Y-20 prototypes were seen with serials in the 781 up to 789 range.
To date 24 Y-20As have been seen in operation, and about a dozen can be found outside pre-delivery at Xi’an-Yanliang.
Next revelation will be clear pictures of the tanker version Y-20U.