The Y-20 tanker as seen with H-6U tanker in satellite photo.
![](http://www.zzwave.com/plaboard/uploads/20181119-102823115.jpg)
Y-20 tanker took its first flight on Dec 5, 2018. The following may be PS photos.
![](http://www.zzwave.com/plaboard/uploads/20181205-001208m6f00yiyyl085cry.jpg)
But this one is not. It appeared to be accompanied by a J-20.
![](http://www.zzwave.com/plaboard/uploads/20181208-mSD-hprknvt5087659.jpg)
The significance of the Y-20 tanker is it will be range extender for large aircraft such as H-6K, and long legged
heavy fighters such as Su-30, J-16, and J-20. China only has three Il-78 tanker that could refuel heavy aircraft.
The limited fuel capacity of H-6U tanker limit its role to refuel light aircraft such as J-8 and J-10.
![](http://www.zzwave.com/plaboard/uploads/20181208-uLv0-hpfycet5448343.jpg)