Namibia leads as first customer for new Chinese Y-9 plane
The Namibian Air Force has officially received two Y-9E medium transport aircraft, becoming the first international customer of China’s Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation (SAC).
According to overseas reports and Chinese media, this transaction was finalized in early 2023, marking the debut of the Y-9E’s export success.
The handover took place recently at Grootfontein, Namibia, confirming the delivery of the two aircraft. The Y-9E is an export variant of the Y-9 tactical transport aircraft, developed by SAC, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The Y-9E is designed as a medium-sized transport aircraft, bridging the gap between smaller tactical airlifters and larger strategic cargo planes. The aircraft’s specifications include a length of 36 meters, a wingspan of 38 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 65 tons. With a top speed of 660 kilometers per hour, it operates at cruising altitudes between 7 and 8 kilometers and boasts a range of up to 5,200 kilometers. The Y-9E can transport up to 20 tons of cargo, making it a versatile choice for nations with moderate transport needs.
While the Y-9E is based on the earlier Y-8 design (copy of Antonov An-12), its incremental updates provide improved operational efficiency. However, the platform’s overall technological sophistication is considered modest by global standards. Analysts have highlighted the need for continued advancements in China’s transport aircraft sector to maintain competitiveness in the international market.
