The Xi'an Y-20 ('transport-20') is a large military transport aircraft. The project is being developed by Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation and was officially launched in 2006. The official code name of the aircraft is Kunpeng, after the mythical bird that can fly for thousands of miles described in the ancient Chinese Taoist classic Zhuangzi. However, within the Chinese aviation industry itself, the aircraft is more commonly known by its nickname Chubby Girl, because its fuselage is much wider compared to other Chinese aircraft previously developed in China.

The aircraft was primarily designed and developed in China under Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation.[9] Certain parts of the wing such as the triple-slotted trailing-edge flaps were developed by the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau.

The Y-20 uses components made of composite materials. Eight types of different relays used on Y-20 are developed by Guilin Aerospace Co., Ltd. a wholly own subsidiary of China Tri-River Aerospace Group Co., Ltd., which is also known as the 9th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). The composites were produced in China, whereas in the past they had to be imported. The Y-20's cabin incorporates flame-retardant composites developed by the 703 Institute of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The 703 Institute was created in March 2009, with development taking three years. The performance of the composites is reportedly comparable to those that fulfill FAR Part 25.835. The 703 Institute achieved another milestone by establishing a comprehensive Chinese evaluation and certification system for aircraft composite materials based on international standards.

Cargo is loaded through a large aft ramp that accommodates rolling stock. The Y-20 incorporates a shoulder wing, T-tail, rear cargo-loading assembly, and heavy-duty retractable landing gear, consisting of three rows, with a pair of wheels for each row, totaling six wheels for each side. According to the deputy general designer, the shortest take-off distance of the Y-20 is 600 to 700 meters (2,000 to 2,300 ft). Y-20 incorporates a total of four large LCD EFIS displays.

Pictured here is a 1:130 scale replica of Xian Y-20 military transport aircraft. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 13-3/4-inches
Length: 14-1/4-inches

Release Date: November 2021

Historical Account: "Parry and Thrust" - The Y-20 is currently powered by four 12-ton thrust Soloviev D-30KP-2 engines, and all early production units are fitted with the same engine.

The Chinese intend to replace the D-30 with the 14-ton thrust Shenyang WS-20, which is required for the Y-20 to achieve its maximum cargo capacity of 66 tons.The WS-20 is derived from the core of the Shenyang WS-10A, an indigenous Chinese turbofan engine for fighter aircraft. Single-engine testing with the WS-20 may have occurred by February 2019. Four engine testing may have occurred by November 2020.

In 2013, the Shenyang Engine Design and Research Institute was reportedly developing the SF-A, a 28700-pound thrust engine, for the Y-20 and the Comac C919. The SF-A is derived from the core of the WS-15. Compared to the WS-20, the SF-A is a conservative design that does not seek to match the technology of more modern engines.

Testing with the WS-18 may have occurred by late 2017. Compared to the D-30, the WS-18 is 300 kg lighter, weighing in at 2000 kg; with thrust increased from 12.5 per ton of the D-30 to 13.2 per ton; and fuel consumption of the WS-18 is also reduced in comparison to the D-30, and the mean time between overhaul of the WS-18 is 3000 hours. However, because the increase in thrust is not significant in comparison to the D-30, the WS-18 is likely to be a stopgap measure before the WS-20 is ready.