China's self-developed military transporters showcase advanced capabilities at Zhuhai airshow

The Y-20 heavy transport aircraft and the YU-20 refueling aircraft, both independently developed by China, made a strong impression at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

The Y-20A is China's new-generation large, multi-role military transport aircraft. It features a long range, high load capacity, and swift speed, enabling it to conduct various long-distance strategic airlift missions for personnel and supplies.

The YU-20, China's new-generation aerial refueling aircraft, can carry out aerial refueling for multiple types of the fighter jets, such as the J-20, J-16 and J-10C, significantly boosting the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's ability to conduct long-range maneuvers with jets.

During the Airshow China 2024, the YU-20 made a flight demonstration, while the Y-20 opened its cabin for public tours for the first time, providing an opportunity for the public to have close contact with it.

"After takeoff, the YU-20 performs a steep-angle climb followed by a 45-degree banked horizontal turn, then a dive. These maneuvers demonstrate our aircraft's strong battlefield adaptability in a threat environment. The steep turn at low altitude shows that the aircraft has excellent low-altitude maneuverability, able to effectively evade and respond to various threats," said Pang Rongqi, YU-20 pilot from the PLA Air Force.

The YU-20 has two refueling pods on its outer wings and one more on the rear fuselage for hose and fueling missions. The YU-20 released the three oil hoses during the flight demonstration.

"This is my first time visiting the China airshow, and I’m thrilled to see so many of our Air Force's main combat aircraft displayed both on the ground and in the air," said an on-site spectator.

During the airshow, the Y-20's cabin was opened to the public for the first time, with 4,000 visitors chosen via a lottery to come aboard for a tour.

The entire cabin of the Y-20A is divided into four main areas based on its specific mission requirements: parachuting, medical care, cargo transport, and personnel transport.

During personnel transport missions, the cabin can even convert into a double-decker layout due to spacious interior.

Since entering service, the Y-20 and YU-20 have performed a wide range of missions, from disaster relief to repatriating the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers.

"Our operational reach extends across Asia, Europe, Africa, and South Pacific region. We have showed the world that the PLA Air Force are friendly, open, and inclusive," said Pang.

The airshow lasts from Nov 12 to 17, attracting 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions. Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Italy are participating in the biennial aerospace trade show in groups.

As an export-oriented international event, the airshow offers visitors a rare close-up view of China's military aircraft, especially the newest models.

China's self-developed Y-20, YU-20 showcase advanced capabilities at Zhuhai airshow

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which opened Tuesday in Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province, showcases several advanced liquid-propellant rocket engines that promise to shape the future of space exploration.

Among the highlights is an 80-ton reusable liquid oxygen-methane engine, which stands out for its economic viability and potential for extensive application in reusable rocket designs. The efficiency of methane positions this engine as a pivotal component for future space missions.

"This engine's most significant feature is its complete reusability, with a capability of at least 50 uses. It has successfully gone through various development tests and is now ready for flight," said Song Dekun from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The 80-ton liquid oxygen-methane engine is tailored for the burgeoning commercial space market, offering substantial thrust while being engineered for reusability. Next to it, another engine designed for commercial space endeavors is on display - a high-altitude engine utilizing liquid oxygen and kerosene as fuel.

"It has a thrust of 72 tons and will be used in the rocket's second stage. The first stage carries the rocket to altitudes of 50 to 60 kilometers, and the second stage operates from there up to 200 kilometers and even into low Earth orbit, where it must ignite in near-vacuum conditions, requiring precise ignition capabilities," said Liu Shang from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Liu added that this engine is delivery-ready and is projected to undertake its inaugural flight in 2025, further solidifying China's position in the global aerospace landscape.

Popularly known as the Zhuhai Airshow, the premier aviation event has attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions this year, with Russia, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Italy participating in the air show in groups. The airshow is scheduled to last through Sunday.

Cutting-edge liquid-propellant rocket engines at Zhuhai Airshow to benefit future space travel