China Advances Medium Tactical Airlifter Program Amid PLAAF Modernization Efforts

China has made its first test flight of the long-rumored Y-30 turboprop airlifter, according to AeroTime. The aircraft is believed to be a product of Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation and features a high-wing design with four turboprop engines. China first displayed a model of the Y-30 at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2014, but the program remained out of public view for over a decade. Analysts estimate a payload capacity of around 30 metric tonnes, positioning the Y-30 between China’s existing Y-9 and Y-20 strategic airlifters.