China's Y-20 heavy transport aircraft has undergone its first airborne and air delivery training, said the Chinese air force on Tuesday. According to Shen Jinke, spokesperson of the air force, it marked a leap in the air force's strategic delivery and long-distance airborne combat abilities.

PLAAF Y-20 airlifter conducting first airdrop training exercise on May 8
(Credit: 81.cn)

The air force is a strategic service, and its strategic capability should be in line with the constantly expanding national interests so it can carry out diverse military missions, said Shen.

The strategic capability of the air force should be able to extend wherever China's national interests reach to provide reliable air security assurance for the country's development, he added.

The Y-20, which joined the People's Liberation Army Air Force in July 2016 and has a maximum takeoff weight of around 200 tonnes, is ideal for transporting cargo and people over long distances in diverse weather conditions.

The Y-20 made its maiden flight in January 2013, and debuted at the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in November 2014.

"Since being commissioned into China's Air Force, the Y-20 has had its tests and flight trials going smoothly," said Tang Changhong, Y-20 chief designer and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

"We have started the phase of boundary limit flight tests for full validation of the model," said Tang. 

"As a large aerial platform, the Y-20 will continue flight tests and improvements," Tang said, adding he was confident in its performance.