is it me or has the nose-section been modified from the early examples to the production Y-20A models? Looks as if the radome-part is now more rounded in shape?!
China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft - esp. Y-20/YY-20
- Thread starter Totoro
- Start date
is it me or has the nose-section been modified from the early examples to the production Y-20A models? Looks as if the radome-part is now more rounded in shape?!
by78
General
That particular airframe was used for static load testing, so the radome was probably never meant to be close to the design of flying prototypes.
Two 3-plane formations of Y-20A/Bs crossing path.
You and the rest of us need to watch and see if:
1) they will go for an all MRTT Y-20B fleet and not build a dedicated refueler (YY) and
2) if the MRTT setup allows for a central refueling point.
I was going to ask if they could be entered but since now you mention its just a static load frame, I guess its probably just an emtpy shell and there is nothing to see on the inside.That particular airframe was used for static load testing, so the radome was probably never meant to be close to the design of flying prototypes.
The MRTT variant requires a complex conversion process if a mid-air refueling point is set up in the configuration. Building a dedicated refueling aircraft can avoid this issue and also allow for the loading of more fuel. Additionally, the landing gear compartments of the YY-20A and Y-20 (I'm not entirely sure of the technical term for this area) also differ, which may impact aerial refueling for large aircraft such as the KJ-500A and H-6N (as well as the future KJ-3000).