As part of its military boost, China plans to increase its fleet of heavy strategic transport aircraft. In January, the China Daily reported that the People's Liberation Army Air Force was preparing to develop a new fleet of stealth fighters and heavy transport aircraft. The latter, the Xian Y-20 transport, was in particularly high demand, given Beijing's lack of a "fast and reliable platform" to deliver arms and soldiers over long distances.
During a technology exhibition in Beijing this month, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) elaborated on these plans. "More than 1,000 Y-20s will be needed," Zhu Qian, head of AVIC's Large Aircraft Development Office told reporters, according to IHS Jane.
Analysts note that one thousand aircraft is a significant increase from earlier reports that suggested Beijing would acquire some 400. According to Zhu, the new estimate is "based on the experience of the United States and Russia." The Y-20 weighs roughly 220 tons, has four turbofan engines, and can carry up to 66 tons of cargo. The aircraft has a range of about 3230 miles.
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