Aircraft
China’s New Airlifter Is Airborne
The test flight was called a key step toward building China’s strategic force.
China’s Y-20 airlifter lands at Xian after its first flight on January 26. It is larger than Europe’s A400M but smaller than the Boeing C-17, although no cross-section dimensions have been revealed yet. (Photo: Chinese Internet)
China’s Y-20 airlifter lands at Xian after its first flight on January 26. It is larger than Europe’s A400M but smaller than the Boeing C-17, although no cross-section dimensions have been revealed yet. (Photo: Chinese Internet)

The first large military airlifter developed by China made its maiden flight on January 26. The Y-20 prototype, seen previously upon rollout, was airborne for about one hour before returning to the Yanliang air base in Xian, amid the cheers of a flag-waving crowd. The test flight was called a key step toward building China’s strategic force. Judging from the prototype’s serial number–20001–at least 100 Y-20s could be produced.