Y-12 vs Y-20

The Y-12 and the Y-20 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Harbin and Xian respectively. The Y-20 reaches 926 km/h — 2.8x the Y-12's 328 km/h. The Y-12 has an operational range of 1,340 km vs 7,800 km for the Y-20. The Y-20 operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 7,000 m for the Y-12. At 222,000 kg MTOW, the Y-20 is 42:1 the Y-12's 5,300 kg. The Y-12 has been produced in 71 units vs 58 for the Y-20. Unit cost is $5M for the Y-12 vs $160M for the Y-20. The Y-12 first flew 31 years before the Y-20 (1982 vs 2013).

Chinese twin-engine light utility aircraft, recognized from its 1980s development, frequently used for passenger and cargo transportation.
Harbin Y-12 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Harbin
First flight 14 July 1982
Year introduced 1985
Number produced 71 units
Average unit price $5 million
Chinese strategic airlifter, most notable in the modern period, deployed for regional transportation and military logistics.
Xian Y-20 Transport profile drawing
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 34.3 m²
Wingspan 17.2 m
Height 5.7 m
Length 18.9 m
Maximum speed 328 km/h
Operational range 1,340 km
Service ceiling 7,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,300 kg
Empty weight 2,840 kg
Total thrust 2 x 205 kW
Wing area 310.0 m²
Wingspan 50.0 m
Height 15.0 m
Length 47.0 m
Maximum speed 926 km/h
Operational range 7,800 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 222,000 kg
Empty weight 100,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,402 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-20 is faster with a maximum speed of 926 km/h compared to the Y-12's 328 km/h, a difference of 598 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-20 has a longer range at 7,800 km compared to the Y-12's 1,340 km.
Which can fly higher, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-20 has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the Y-12's 7,000 meters (22,965 ft).
Which is heavier, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-20 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 222,000 kg compared to the Y-12's 5,300 kg.
Which is larger, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-20 is longer at 47.0 meters compared to the Y-12's 18.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-20 is more expensive at approximately $160 million per unit compared to the Y-12 at $5.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-12 entered service first in 1985, 31 years before the Y-20 which entered service in 2016.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Y-12 or Y-20?
The Y-12 has been produced in greater numbers with 71 units compared to 58 units of the Y-20.