Shaanxi Y-9
| Y-9 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Shaanxi Y-9 at 2014 Zhuhai Air Show. | |
| Role | Transport aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Shaanxi Aircraft Company |
| First flight | November 2010 |
| Status | Operational / In production |
| Primary user | PLA Air Force |
| Developed from | Shaanxi Y-8 |
The Shaanxi Y-9 (Chinese: 运-9; pinyin: Yùn-9) aircraft is a medium-sized, medium-range transport aircraft produced by Shaanxi Aircraft Company in China. The aircraft was developed as a stretched version of the Shaanxi Y-8F with greater payload and range originating from the Soviet Antonov An-12. The Y-9 is considered China's effort to build a C-130J class transport aircraft.[1]
Contents
Development
Originally known as the Y-8X project, the development of Y-9 began in 2001 to produce a C-130J class transport to replace the older Y-8. Shaanxi Aircraft Industry showed models of the aircraft as the Y-9 at the 2005 International Aviation Expo in Beijing, to promote its use as a civilian transport. However, development was met with various technical challenges, and the maiden flight date slipped from 2006 to 2007, then 2008. Shaanxi had intended to produce its first production model for the PLAAF in 2009.
The Y-9 is powered by four Wojiang FWJ-6C turboprop engines, and equipped with 6-bladed JL-4 composite propellers. The tail ramp is capable of handling vehicle cargo. The aircraft is capable of transporting 25 tons of cargo, or configured with 106 troop seats in the troop transport role, or 72 stretchers for the medical evacuation role, or up to 132 armed paratroopers in the para-drop role. The cargo space can handle nine standard 108"x88" pallets, or eight 125" x 96" pallets.
In January 2010 it was reported that the Y-9 design had been frozen but no aircraft would be constructed until an order was placed. A first flight of the new transport could take place by 2011.[2] As of the summer of 2012 the Y-9 has become operational with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).[3]
Variants
- Y-9JB (GX-8): New EW and surveillance aircraft with four large fairings and additional antennae.[4]
- KJ-500 (GX-9?): A new Airborne early warning and control variant with a fixed radome with active electronically scanned array radars arranged triangularly to provide 360-degree coverage.[5] Shown to the public in September 2015.[6]
- Y-9XZ (GX-10) : New psychological warfare variant.
- Y-9G (GX-11): EW variant replacing Y-8G [7]
Specifications (Y-9 Transport)
Data from sinodefence[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 3-4
- Capacity: :* 106 passengers or
-
- 132 airborne troops or
- 9 pallets
- Payload: 25,000 kg cargo ()
- Length: 36 m ()
- Wingspan: 40 m ()
- Height: 11.3m ()
- Empty weight: 39,000kg ()
- Useful load: 25,000kg (55,090lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 77,000kg ()
- Powerplant: 4 × Zhuzhou WoJiang-6C (FWJ-6C) turboprops, 3,805 kw (5,100 shp) each
- Propellers: JL-4 6-blade composite propeller, 1 per engine
Performance
- Cruise speed: ~650km/h (351kt, 404 mph)
- Range: ~5,700 km (3,700 nm)
- Ferry range: 7,800 km (4,211 nm)
- Service ceiling: 10,400 m (34,120 ft)
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
References
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