C-17 Globemaster III vs Y-20

American military transport aircraft, extensively deployed in global conflict zones since the 1990s for strategic airlift missions.
Picture of C-17 Globemaster III
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 15 September 1991
Year introduced 1993
Number produced 279 units
Average unit price $340 million
Chinese strategic airlifter, most notable in the modern period, deployed for regional transportation and military logistics.
Picture of Y-20
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Xian
First flight 26 January 2013
Year introduced 2016
Number produced 58 units
Average unit price $160 million
Wing area 353.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 51.8 m â—‰
Height 16.8 m â—‰
Length 53.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 930 km/h
Operational range 4,480 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,715 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg â—‰
Empty weight 122,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 18,909 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III
Wing area 310.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 50.0 m â—‰
Height 15.0 m â—‰
Length 47.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 7,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 222,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 100,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 13,608 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Xian Y-20

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the Y-20's 0 km/h, a difference of 930 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The Y-20 has a longer range at 7,800 km compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 4,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the Y-20's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the Y-20's 222,000 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the Y-20's 47.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the Y-20 at $160 million.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The C-17 Globemaster III entered service first in 1993, 23 years before the Y-20 which entered service in 2016.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-17 Globemaster III or Y-20?
The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in greater numbers with 279 units compared to 58 units of the Y-20.