Currently 603 Institute, XAC and SAC are developing an advanced 4-engine
large transport (Y-20?) which is smaller than American C-17 and based
upon some IL-76MD technology. As the result assistance was sought from
Antonov Design Bureau in 2008. Its max payload was expected to be around
50t and max TO weight >200t. Fitted with high-lift devices along the
wing leading and trailing edges, the aircraft is capable of taking off
from relatively short and unpaved runways, making many temporary
airfields behind the battlefield accessible. Currently it is unclear
whether the aircraft will have an IFR probe installed or not. The
prototypes and the initial batch may be powered by Russian
D-30KP-2/WS-18 turbofans, later by the modified WS-10 (WS-118?). A
full-scale metal mock-up (head section) of Y-20 was constructed by 2008
and the first flight is projected in 2012. On August 20, 2009 SAC
started to build the rear fuselage of the first prototype. It was
reported (April 2010) that the full-scale mock-up was completed in early
2010. It was also rumored that the aircraft might serve as the testbed
for the Chinese airborne laser weapon prototype similar to American
YAL-1 which is thought to be under development. In addition the next
generation of medium transport aircraft was believed to be under
development at XAC/603 Institute as well, powered by two modified WS-10
turbofans. Its max payload is around 25t.
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