Few aircraft are as intriguing - and vexing - as the prototypes that periodically appear at Chinese airfields. The most recent example to have set China' blogosphere abuzz is the Xian Y-20 strategic airlifter, a type that could one day enhance Beijing's ability to project power as far abroad as the Indian Ocean and even Africa.
The first appearance of the four-engined heavy lifter - China's largest indigenous aircraft to date - occurred on Chinese defence websites in the last week of 2012. Apparently taken from the cover of a copse of grass, the grainy images were reminiscent of those that revealed the Chengdu J-20 fighter during the last week of 2010.
With remarkable alacrity, Beijing confirmed the existence of the new aircraft on 2 January. "We are developing large transport aircraft on our own to improve the capability of air transport," China's defence ministry said. It gave no indication as to when the aircraft could be deployed, but confirmed that "research and development is going forward as planned".
GREG WALDRON-flightglobal
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