China’s Y-20 military transport prototype flew this past weekend from its development base in central China, according to press reports. The strategic airlifter, which bears a striking likeness to Boeing’s C-17, took off on Jan. 26 from a base near the city of Xi’an, reported the Associated Press on Jan. 28 (via ABC News). AP cited Chinese state-run media. The Y-20 addresses China’s need for long-range, heavy-lift aerial transport to extend its global reach. Aging Russian IL-76 aircraft currently serve in this role. Russian turbofan engines will initially power the Y-20 until indigenously developed powerplants are available, according to AP. Xian Aircraft Industry designed the airlifter.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft designs from Anduril and General Atomics passed their critical design reviews early in November, clearing the way for detailed production efforts to get underway, the Air Force said. How future versions will be upgraded is still under discussion.