In what would represent a new advance by its aeronautical industry to modernize the Air Force with domestically developed platforms—more specifically by Xi’an Aircraft Corporation—China has carried out the first recorded flight of the new Y-30 transport aircraft. As can be seen in the images published on social media, despite their low resolution, this is a medium transport aircraft that features an external design particularly similar to the Airbus A400M, which has led analysts to raise various suspicions.
Expanding on some details, it should be noted that the Y-30 designation is the one assigned to the aircraft by Chinese aviation analysts and is not official at this time, as Beijing has yet to formally present it. This has prevented detailed knowledge of the aircraft beyond what can be inferred from photographs. Based on these images, the platform appears to be powered by four turboprop engines (likely of the WJ-6 type) with six-bladed propellers. It is also inferred—despite the aforementioned design similarities with the A400M—that the aircraft is notably smaller in size.
In addition, the aircraft features a tricycle landing gear with tandem wheels, which according to reports could indicate that it is designed to carry payloads in the range of 25 to 30 tons. This would place it above the capabilities of the Y-8 and Y-9 models currently in service with the Chinese Air Force. In detail, current speculation among analysts focused on the country’s air capabilities suggests that this platform could eventually replace those aircraft.
Another noteworthy aspect lies in the shape and layout of its wings, which at first glance inevitably draw comparisons with the design of the C-130 aircraft, featuring a slight dihedral angle. Furthermore, winglets are observed at each wingtip, while the tail is characterized by a “T” configuration—both elements that have also prompted comparisons with the design of the U.S. C-17.
Finally, based on the characteristics listed so far, it should also be mentioned that the design bears significant similarities to a conceptual model revealed years earlier by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), more specifically during the 2014 Zhuhai Airshow. At the time, designers envisioned entry into service during this decade and proposed characteristics pointing to a range of between 6,000 and 7,000 kilometers at full payload, with a maximum takeoff weight of 80 tons.
*Image credits to their respective owners.
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