Satellite imagery of Kaifeng Air Base in China's Henan province shows five Xian Y-20B transport aircraft. The Y-20B is powered by the new domestically developed WS20 engine, which potentially has improved thrust and fuel efficiency. (Google/Airbus/Janes)
The appearance of five Xian Y-20B Kunpeng transport aircraft at an operational airbase in central China is further evidence that the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is inducting this recently developed variant into service.
Satellite imagery taken on 29 November 2024 shows the five Y-20Bs at Kaifeng Air Base, among a group of 18 Y-20As. The airbase is located in China's east-central Henan province, within the PLA's Central Theater Command, and is home to the PLAAF's 37th Air Regiment.
The Y-20B is a new variant of the Y-20 platform, equipped with domestically developed high-bypass-ratio WS20 engines, which potentially have greater thrust and fuel efficiency. The ‘B' variant is recognisable due to the distinctive shape of the WS20 engine, which has a different external form factor than the Russian-origin 117 kN Aviadvigatel D-30KP II Series turbofan engine powering the Y-20A.
Designed by the Shenyang Engine Design Institute and manufactured by Xi'an Aero-Engine, the WS20 differs from the D-30KP Series II by being shorter in length (with an estimated length of 3.7 m) and having a larger inlet diameter estimated to be 2.2 m. The D-30KP II Series engine has a length of 5.6 m (with reverser) and an inlet diameter of 1.46 m.
Previous appearances
This is not the first appearance of Y-20Bs at Kaifeng. In March 2023 Janes reported on a Y-20B, painted in PLAAF service colours, that was photographed flying over Kaifeng city. The event was indicative of the WS20 engine having entered initial production, Janes assesses.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
