Y-8
China has completed designs for modifying the Yun-8 medium-size airfreighters into airborne early warning [AEW] and tanker aircraft. There also is a maritime patrol version, the Y-8MPA. The Chinese military is seeking a more advanced and larger-scale carrier platform for the development of these missions. The PLAAF is currently developing an AEW platform that will include either an Israeli or British phased-array system on a modified a Il-76B or Y-8 airframe.
Y-8 is a medium size medium range tranport aircraft produced by Shanxi Aircraft Company, based on the Russian Antonov An-12. It is a fully pressurized aircraft equipped with four turboprops and tricycle landing gears with low pressure tires and disc brake system. Its spacious cargo compartment can accommodate out-sized cargo.
GENERAL DATA
Country of Origin. CIS (formerly USSR).
Similar Aircraft. C-130 Hercules, C-160 Transall, G.222.
Crew. Six.
Role. Medium-cargo/transport (100 equipped troops, vehicles, and weapons), ECM, ELINT.
Armament. Twin 23-mm cannons in tail.
Dimensions. Length: 121 ft, 4 in (37 m).
Span: 124 ft, 8 in (38 m).
WEFT DESCRIPTION
Wings. High-mounted with drooping outer wing panels, back-tapered leading edges, straight trailing edges, and blunt tips.
Engine(s). Four turboprop engines mounted under the wings’ leading edges.
Fuselage. Round, slender body with stepped cockpit and glassed-in nose. Landing gear pods bulge at lower body midsection. Upswept rear section.
Tail. Flats are unequally tapered with blunt tips and mounted high on the fuselage. Fin is tapered with a blunt tip and a step in the leading edge. Two 23-mm guns in tail turret.
Sources and Resources
http://www.fas.org/irp/world/china/sys/y-8.htm
Created by John Pike
Maintained by Webmaster
Updated Thursday, July 02, 1998 6:34:53 PM
