PLAAF unveils YY-20 air-to-air tanker aircraft
A screengrab from a PLAAF video showing a YY-20 refuelling a pair of J-16s over the ocean east of China. (Chinese MND)
China's air force confirms it is operating the tanker variant of the Y-20, as the nation expands the reach of its military aircraft.
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has revealed the designation of its tanker variant of the Y-20 transport aircraft, the YY-20.
Commentators had previously christened the aircraft as Y-20U, but YY-20 (representing ‘tanker-transport’) has now been revealed as the official designation. The YY-20 has two refuelling pods on its outer wings and one more on the rear fuselage for hose and drogue fuelling missions.
This nomenclature was disclosed during a PLAAF press conference in Beijing on 31 July.
Snr Col Shen Jinke, a PLAAF spokesperson, said a YY-20 tanker aircraft and J-16 fighter had recently carried out over-water aerial
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production]()
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight]()
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
-
![Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion]()
Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion
The UAE’s Edge Group has been positioning itself as a key defence and technology partner to Indonesia, where it has been focusing on naval platforms, UAVs and long-term industrial collaboration.
