Rare pics of Y-20 right besides C-17
Having C-17 side by side with the Y-20, one can really see the difference and design philosophy...
Rare pics of Y-20 right besides C-17
Having C-17 side by side with the Y-20, one can really see the difference and design philosophy.
For example, the Soloviev D-30KP-2 on the Y-20 is much smaller in diameter compare to Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 on C-17 - the F-117 is both wider in diameter but shorter in length; the Y-20 has a much bigger hump on the top side (and not as smooth transition) compare to C-17 making C-17 having a flatter profile; the nose cone of Y-20 is shaped more like a "bird's beak" pointing downwards than C-17's centerline approach; and then there is the obvious winglets that's missing from the Y-20.
C-17 was designed with transporting M1 Abraham tank and other heavy equipment to every corner of the world where needed by the US military, thus its dimension and flight range has to be able to meet the requirements.
Y-20 was designed for transportation of Type 99 and similar heavy equipment within the boundry of China, and may be to some neigbouring countries to deliver disaster relief or export of military equipment. Remember that China has no overseas military base and no desire to intervent in far away lands.