China tests a new air force freighter

China has tested a heavy air force freighter that could be a substitute for the older Russian planes it now uses, while substantially boosting the Chinese military’s global reach.

The Y-20 flew took off from its base near the north-western city of Xi’an on Saturday, the China Daily reported yesterday.

The plane can fly 27,300 miles with 66 tons of freight.

China currently uses Russian IL-76 freighters, including for communications roles, but those planes were first built in the 1970s and their technology is outdated.

The Y-20 will use Russian jet engines until China develops replacements, the reports said.