Xi'an Y-20

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xi%27an_Y-20

The Xi'an Y-20 (Chinese: ?-20; pinyin: Yùn-20; literally: 'transport-20') is a
large military transport aircraft. The project is being developed by Xi'an
Aircraft Industrial Corporation and was officially launched in 2006. The
official codename of the aircraft is Kunpeng (Chinese: ??), after the mythical
bird that can fly for thousands of miles described in the ancient Chinese Taoist
classic Zhuangzi. However, within the Chinese aviation industry itself, the
aircraft is more commonly known by its nickname Chubby Girl (Chinese: ??),
because its wide fuselage in comparison to other Chinese aircraft previously
developed in China.

The aircraft was primarily designed and developed in China under Xi'an Aircraft
Industrial Corporation. Certain parts of the wing such as the triple-slotted
trailing-edge flaps were developed by the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau.

The the Y-20 is the first cargo aircraft to use 3D printing technology to speed
up its development and to lower its manufacturing cost. Model-based definition
(MBD) is also used, and it's the third aircraft to utilize MBD technology in the
world, after Airbus A380 (2000) and Boeing 787 (2005).[15] A project team to
implement MBD for Y-20 program was formally formed in October 2009, and after
the initial success in application on the main landing gear, MBD application was
expanded to the entire aircraft and became mandatory for all contractors and sub
contractors of the Y-20 program.[15] The implementation of MBD was initially met
with strong resistance, with only a third of suppliers agreeing to implement
MBD. However, the general designer of Y-20 declared that those who refused to
implement MBD will be banned from participating in the Y-20 program, thus
forcing everyone to comply, resulting in increases in productivity. The
implementation of MBD greatly shortened the time required, for example, without
MBD, installation of wings takes a month or two, but with MBD adopted, the time
is drastically shortened to just a few hours, and in general, the design work
reduced by 40%, preparation for production reduced by 75%, and manufacturing
cycle reduced by 30%.

In addition to 3D printing, the Y-20 is also the first aircraft in China
adopting associative design technology (ADT) in its development. Headed by the
deputy general designer of structural design, Mr. Feng Jun (??), the initial
attempt to implement ADT actually failed after two months spent on application
on the nose section. It was only after the second attempt that took another
three months on the application on wings did ADT became successful. The
adaptation of ADT greatly shortened the development time by at least eight
months, and modification of wing design that previously took a week is shortened
to half a day.

Cargo is loaded through a large aft ramp that accommodates rolling stock. The
Y-20 incorporates a shoulder wing, T-tail, rear cargo-loading assembly and
heavy-duty retractable landing gear, consists of three rows, with a pair of
wheels for each row, totaling six wheels for each side. The structural test was
completed in 194 days as opposed to the 300 days originally planned, thanks to
the successful development and application of an automated structural strength
analysis system. In comparison, similar work for the Xian JH-7 took a year.
According to the deputy general designer, the shortest take-off distance of the
Y-20 is 600 to 700 meters.[8] Y-20 incorporates a total of four LCD EFIS, and
the development of EFIS for Y-20 utilizes virtual reality via helmet mounted
display.[8] Eight types of different relays used on Y-20 are developed by Guilin
Aerospace Co., Ltd. a wholly own subsidiary of China Tri-River Aerospace Group
Co., Ltd.(????????), which is also known as the 9th Academy of the China
Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).

Role
Strategic airlifter

National origin
China

Manufacturer
Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation

Designer
Tang Changhong

First flight
26 January 2013

Introduction
6 July 2016

Status
In service, in production

Primary user
PLA Air Force

Produced
2013–present

Number built
8 prototypes
40+ initial production aircraft

Unit cost

US$160 million (flyaway cost)

The Y-20 is currently powered by four 12-ton thrust Soloviev D-30KP-2 engines,
and all early production units are fitted with the same engine.

The Chinese intend to replace the D-30 with the 14-ton thrust WS-20, which is
required for the Y-20 to achieve its maximum cargo capacity of 66 tons. The
Shenyang WS-20 is derived from the core of the Shenyang WS-10A, an indigenous
Chinese turbofan engine for fighter aircraft.

Specifications (estimated)

General characteristics
Crew: 3
Capacity: 66,000 kg (145,505 lb)[20]
Length: 47 m (154 ft 2 in) [54]
Wingspan: 45 m (147 ft 8 in) [55]
Empty weight: 100,000 kg (220,462 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 220,000 kg (485,017 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × Soloviev D-30KP-2 (WS-20 planned) turbofan engines

Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 0.75
Range: 4,500 km (2,800 mi, 2,400 nmi) with max payload
7,800 km (4,847 mi) with 40,000 kg (88,185 lb)10,000 km (6,214 mi)+ with
paratroops.Service ceiling: 13,000 m (43,000 ft)
Wing loading: 710 kg/m2 (150 lb/sq ft)




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