China extends military wings with new plane

“The Y-20 entering into service marks a crucial step for the Air Force improving its strategic power projection capability,” Air Force spokesperson Shen Jinke said. With a maximum take off weight of 200 tonnes, the Y-20, which officially joined the PLA Air Force in Chengdu, is ideal for transporting cargo and personnel over long distances in diverse weather conditions, state run Xinhua news agency reported. 

The Air Force needs more and better transport to better fulfill its military responsibilities, including safeguarding national security as well as domestic and international rescue and relief work, Shen said. 

The indigenously designed and developed Y-20 took its maiden flight in January 2013 and made its debut at the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in November 2014, Chinese officials said. The plane is comparable to the Russian-made IL-76 and the US C-17. PLA officials earlier said Y-20 is more advanced than the IL-476. It is also regarded as a major breakthrough in military aviation technology for the PLA which is more reliant on Russian-made planes so far.