Transport Aircraft
Xi’an Y-20 Kunpeng
The Y-20 Kunpeng is a four-engine strategic heavy transport made by Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (AVIC) in China, in service since 2016. It is China’s first indigenous heavy airlifter and the base for a growing tanker fleet.
China|Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) / AVICWhat Is the Xi’an Y-20 Kunpeng? Overview, History and Development
The Y-20 first flew on 26 January 2013 and entered PLAAF service on 6 July 2016. It has a high wing, T-tail and four engines. Early Y-20As used Russian D-30KP-2 turbofans of about 118 kN each, while the Y-20B has four indigenous WS-20 engines of about 140 kN, adding payload and range. Payload is about 66,000 kg and maximum take-off weight about 220,000 kg. Range is about 7,800 km with external tanks, though PLA sources suggest about 4,400 km with maximum payload. Cruise is about 926 km/h.
More than 100 have been produced as of 2026, and the PLAAF is reported to field about 55 transports, 30 YY-20A and 10 YY-20B tankers, with production of about 10–15 per year (analyst estimates). Variants include a KJ-3000 airborne early warning prototype seen in December 2024. China is the only operator, and rumours of Pakistan, Algeria or Egypt as buyers are unconfirmed. The Y-20 flew to Wuhan in 2020 and delivered Serbia’s FK-3 air defence system in 2022.
Xi’an Y-20 Kunpeng Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Xi’an Y-20 Kunpeng Variants and Versions Compared
The first production version with Russian D-30KP-2 engines.
The version with indigenous WS-20 engines, giving higher thrust, payload and range.
The aerial refuelling tanker variant, with a reported fuel offload of about 90 tonnes (hedged).
Which Countries Use the Xi’an Y-20 Kunpeng? Operators and Users
ChinaXi’an Y-20 Kunpeng FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does a Y-20 cost?
A Y-20 costs an estimated 100–150 million US dollars per aircraft, with low confidence. China has not published an official price.
How much can a Y-20 carry?
A Y-20 Kunpeng can carry about 66,000 kg, enough for airborne vehicles such as the ZBD-03/04 and Type 15 light tank. Its maximum take-off weight is about 220,000 kg.
Y-20 vs C-17: which is better?
The Y-20 carries about 66,000 kg compared with about 77,500 kg for the C-17, so the C-17 is the larger airlifter. The Y-20 is in production and improving, while the C-17 line closed in 2015.
Is the Y-20 a copy of the C-17?
The Y-20 Kunpeng is not a direct copy of the C-17, though its layout resembles the C-17 and Il-76. China states it is indigenous, and it has a higher wing and conventional flaps rather than the C-17’s powered-lift system.
How many Y-20s does China have?
China has produced more than 100 Y-20s as of 2026, according to open sources. The PLAAF fleet is reported at about 55 transports, 30 YY-20A tankers and 10 YY-20B tankers.
Which countries use the Y-20?
The Y-20 is used only by China. Pakistan, Algeria and Egypt have been rumoured as buyers, but no export has been confirmed.