China's Y-30 airlifter (C-130 knockoff?)

[CougarKing]

First the C17, now the C-130? 

Avic Proposes C-130-Size Y-30 Airlifter
[aviationweek]
- Nov 14, 2014

Photo: China-defense-mashup

A Chinese airlifter as big as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules will go into service in the 2020s if the factory behind the project, Shaanxi Aircraft, is given a go-ahead, as expected.

The program is at the stage of concept design, say Chinese industry officials close to it. Full-scale development should begin in about two years, they add. If it does, and if progress is smooth, a first flight could take place in 2020.

The air force does want such an aircraft, the officials say, expecting the type to become China’s main airlifter. The Global Times, a Beijing-based newspaper, identifies it as the previously reported Y-30.

(...EDITED)

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

If the model is accurate and the plane is to be Hercules' size, then it looks more like a small knock-off version of the Airbus A400, rather than of a Herc.

 

[MarkOttawa]

Speaking of which:

RAF Takes Delivery of First A400M Atlas
http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141117/DEFREG01/311170014/RAF-Takes-Delivery-First-A400M-Atlas

This from Airbus shows why not a good fit for Canadian needs:
http://militaryaircraft-airbusds.com/Aircraft/A400M/A400MAbout.aspx

Mark
Ottawa