China Tests New Multi-mission Transport Aircraft ‘Y-30’

China has tested Y-30, a new multi-mission tactical transport aircraft that can be used for personnel and cargo transport besides configured as a surveillance, electronic warfare and specialist payload aircraft.

Though not officially confirmed, including its designation, various media reported the first test flight of the "Y-30"  held on Tuesday, is a smaller version of the Y-20 large transport aircraft.

Images and videos circulating online since December 16 show a turboprop aircraft conducting what is believed to be its first flight test. Chinese authorities have not confirmed the aircraft’s designation or existence, but reports describe it as a smaller counterpart to the Y-20 strategic airlifter.

The War Zone, a U.S.-based defense outlet, reported that the aircraft is a tactical transport platform unofficially referred to as the Y-30, with Y-15 also suggested as an alternative designation. Belgium-based Army Recognition, citing unverified footage, said the aircraft may feature a four-turboprop configuration and a payload of about 30 tons, placing it between the Y-9 medium transport and the Y-20 heavy airlifter. Italy-based specialist outlet the Aviationist similarly estimated a 25–30-ton payload, exceeding the 15–20-ton capacity of the Y-8 and Y-9 aircraft currently in service.

At Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) displayed a scale model labeled “Y-30” and described as a “new-type medium transport aircraft,” according to people.cn.

Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times that the Y-9 leaves a “large capacity gap” between China’s medium and large transport aircraft. “That is likely why a new medium transport aircraft, with larger cargo capacity, flight speed and cabin size, is needed to pair up with the Y-20,” Wang said, adding that it could be adapted for anti-submarine patrol, early warning, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare roles.