

China's own domestically built military cargo jet Y-20 (File photo)
China's own domestically built military cargo jet, Y-20, will likely be put into service in the army this year, a military expert said in an interview with People's Daily Online.
According to Xu Yongling, a military expert, the test flight period for large aircraft is generally between three and five years. Since there have been no bottlenecks during development or manufacturing, the Y-20 will be put into use this year.
The first flight of the Y-20 took place in 2013, making China the fourth country in the world, following the U.S., Russia and Ukraine, to develop a 200-ton military cargo jet.
"This is not only progress for China's national defense industry, but also a milestone of industrial and military modernization," Xu said.
The official code name of the aircraft is Kunpeng, after the mythical bird of ancient China that can fly for thousands of kilometers. However, within the Chinese aviation industry, the aircraft is more commonly known by its nickname, Chubby Girl, named by military fans for its relatively wide fuselage.
Military expert Chen Hong said in an interview with People's Daily Online that the carrying capacity of the Y-20, around 60 tons, is higher than that of Russia’s Ilyushin Il-76, a multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter. The Y-20's engine, aerodynamic arrangement and combat performance are all better than those of the Russian aircraft.
The cargo jet can be used to refit significant special operations platforms, as it has a long flying period and flying distance. The Y-20 is also a good choice for maritime detection and early warning, according to Chen.
As for future military developments, airborne transportation depends not only on the Y-20, but also on other military cargo jets, which China may develop in the next five to ten years, according to Xu.

China's own domestically built military cargo jet Y-20 (File photo)
Engineer troop builds bridge in real combat conditions
You can urinate in public in Chongqing
Rice terrace scenery in southwest China's Yunnan
2016 Miss Chinatown USA pageant held in San Francisco
Ancient pagodas across China
Wedding dress show up in the air
Candidates perform in 2nd examination at Beijing Film Academy
Russian photographer brings fairytales to life
Chinese beauties, foreign models meet in Chengdu
Top 20 hottest women in the world in 2014
Top 10 hardest languages to learn
10 Chinese female stars with most beautiful faces
China’s Top 10 Unique Bridges, Highways and Roads
G20 pledges to avoid currency war
Pro-independence forces rip Taiwan apart
China’s ‘fakes fighters’ sue companies over knockoffs
Net watchdog closes tycoon’s social media accountsDay|Week