China military fleet to get 1,000 large strategic aircraft

The Chinese military’s aerial transport squadron is to be boosted by as many as 1,000 large strategic aircraft, with Beijing seeking to model the force after its American and Russian counterparts.

“More than 1,000 Y-20s will be needed,” said Zhu Qian, the head of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Britain’s IHS Jane’s military journal reported.

The official was referring to the Xian Y-20 aircraft, which is under development by China’s Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation.

Commonly referred to as Chubby Girl, the plane has been designed to be capable of flying as far as 4,500 km (2,700 miles) with a max payload of 66 tons. With its wings 50 meters (164 feet) apart, it also surpasses any other Chinese aircraft in size.

The Chinese military’s National Defense University had previously recommended the production of 400 of the aircraft.

Zhu said the new estimate of 1,000 is “based on the experience of the United States and Russia,” in an indication of China’s intention to rival the countries’ airlifter fleet.

The plane’s range “means it can reach everywhere in Europe and Asia, the US state of Alaska, Australia, and North Africa,” according to the Chinese People’s Daily.

Qian said China planned to build “300-ton, 400-ton and even 600-ton aircraft.”

The military’s Air Force has also announced that its fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighter was to enter the production phase.

SS