Xi'an Y-20B transport aircraft received Chinese WS-20 engines instead of the Russian D-30KP-2

China's Xi'an Y20B transport aircraft have been stripped of their Russian engines. They have been replaced by locally produced power units.

Here's What We Know

Chinese state TV has published a story about the upgraded aircraft. It is possible that the Xi'an Y20B with new engines has already been adopted by the People's Liberation Army of the PRC.

The aircraft used to be equipped with a Russian-made D-30KP-2 engine. However, the Chinese military decided to abandon it and replace it with the WS-20 propulsion system. This is a step towards getting rid of dependence on Russia, which can hardly be called a reliable partner under sanctions.

The WS-20 has a thrust of 137.9 kN compared to the 117.65 kN of the D-30KP-2. China probably had no trouble developing the new engine, as the powerplant was originally planned to be ready in 2024.

The Xi'an Y20B is positioned as a competitor for the C-17 Globemaster, but because of the Russian engine it could not compete with the US aircraft. China's WS-20 propulsion system is expected to bring the Y20B closer to the Globemaster's performance.

Source: The War Zone