The Yunyou-20, or YY-20, China's next-generation aerial refueling aircraft, made its first public aerial performance at Airshow China 2022 in south China's Zhuhai City.

The tanker aircraft can carry out aerial refueling with multiple types of the fighter jets, such as the J-20, J-16 and J-10C, significantly boosting the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's ability to conduct long-range maneuvers with jets.

The YY-20 has two refueling pods on its outer wings and one more on the rear fuselage for hose and fueling missions.

The tanker can carry over 100 tonnes of fuel, half of which can refuel other aircraft, according to military expert Song Xinzhi in an interview with China Media Group. It can also refuel multiple fighter jets simultaneously, extending their range or loiter time.

The YY-20 tanker is of great importance to the PLA Air Force, as the aerial refueling aircraft can sharply improve combat aircraft's flight range, a must-have item. It joined the PLA's club of "20-series," a line of elite military aircraft that includes the J-20 and Y-20.

At the airshow, the YY-20 displayed its agility despite its massive size, ascending and descending quickly and making turns in a small radius, capabilities that are more helpful in a mission.

The climax of its exhibition was when it released its three hoses to demonstrate how it refuels other jets, the first such aerial demonstration to the public.

The YY-20 was first formally showcased to the public in a PLA Air Force picture showing its released oil hoses alongside a J-20 and a J-16 fighter jet.

The refueling aircraft is a modified variant of the Y-20, China's independently developed large transport aircraft. The YY-20 and Y-20 have slightly different exteriors, with the YY-20 easily identifiable with the refueling pods on the wings and changes on its rear fairings.

The Y-20 is an important tool for long-range strategic delivery and the strategic transformation of the Chinese Air Force with both offensive and defensive capabilities.

It is mainly used in actions including strategic and tactical military transportation, airborne operations, supply airdropping and non-war military operations.