Boeing 737 Command Post
It is believed that this airborne command post aircraft was developed by Xian Aircraft Corporation (XAC). The aircraft appears to have been converted privately from a Boeing 737-3Q8 passenger aircraft (without US government approval) which was originally purchased by China United Airline in 1990. A prominent feature of Boeing 737 command post is one large fairing on top of the forward fuselage and two small fairings located underneath the mid-section of the fuselage, which could house communication and datalink antennas. Initially the aircraft adopted a light grey color scheme by was changed to the standard PLAAF VIP transport color scheme. Two were converted (B-4052 & 4053). Both aircraft were still active by mid-2023.
Boeing 737-800 VIP
For years a handful Boeing 737 airliners have been operated by the PLAAF 34th Division as VIP transport aircraft. Due to the sensitivity of carrying out military-related missions using US-made civilian aircraft, those Boeing 737s were initially painted with the CAAC markings and serial numbers only. However recent images indicated that they are now formally painted with PLAAF Insignia (S/N B-4080, 4081, 4082, 4083).
Three Airbus A319 ACJ airliners (B-4090, 4091, 4092) have been flied by PLAAF 34th Division/China United Airlines as VIP transport aircraft. Recent images indicated that they are now formally painted with PLAAF Insignia and emblem similar to the Boeing 737-800 VIP transport operated by the same unit.
- Last Updated 7/8/19
Y-7G Coke
A PLAN Y-7G medium transport aircraft is shown here (S/N 98x7, 90x2, 81x3x). It is mainly used to transport military personnel between the Hainan Island and the Paracel Island in the South China Sea. The aircraft was developed by XAC based on the MA-60 airliner which can carry up to 60 passengers. A few were upgraded with an EO turret underneath the forward fuselage to improve flight safety in bad weathers. A small number of Y-7Gs are also in service with PLAAF SAR and transport regiment (S/N 55x1x, 53x2x?). Some have an IFF antenna mounted on the nose. Its export version is called MA-60 or MA-600, and is in service with air forces of several foreign countries. A recent image (September 2020) indicated PLAAF Y-7Gs started to carry a new yellow serial number on the vertical fin. A recent image (January 2022) indicated that the naval Y-7G started to carry a two digit code number on the vertical fin (S/N H30310xx).
Y-8C Testbed Cub
A single Y-8C was recently converted by SAC/CFTE to an avionics and (turboprop) engine testbed. It features a modified solid nose and a large hexagonal EOTS station (?) underneath. A new turboprop engine, believed to be AEP500/WJ-10 (5,000kw class), was installed at the #2 engine station for easy observation by the crew. Additional modifications were seen on the tail cone. The WJ-10 engine, together with a new 6 or 8 blade propeller, is thought to be under development for the mysterious MA-700 passenger aircraft. It could also power the KJ-600 carrierborne AWACS as well as the proposed next-generation medium transport aircraft or tiltrotor aircraft in the future.
Y-7G Coke
A PLAN Y-7G medium transport aircraft is shown here (S/N 98x7, 90x2, 81x3x). It is mainly used to transport military personnel between the Hainan Island and the Paracel Island in the South China Sea. The aircraft was developed by XAC based on the MA-60 airliner which can carry up to 60 passengers. A few were upgraded with an EO turret underneath the forward fuselage to improve flight safety in bad weathers. A small number of Y-7Gs are also in service with PLAAF SAR and transport regiment (S/N 55x1x, 53x2x?). Some have an IFF antenna mounted on the nose. Its export version is called MA-60 or MA-600, and is in service with air forces of several foreign countries. A recent image (September 2020) indicated PLAAF Y-7Gs started to carry a new yellow serial number on the vertical fin. A recent image (January 2022) indicated that the naval Y-7G started to carry a two digit code number on the vertical fin (S/N H30310xx).
- Last Updated 7/18/23
Y-8C Testbed Cub
A single Y-8C was recently converted by SAC/CFTE to an avionics and (turboprop) engine testbed. It features a modified solid nose and a large hexagonal EOTS station (?) underneath. A new turboprop engine, believed to be AEP500/WJ-10 (5,000kw class), was installed at the #2 engine station for easy observation by the crew. Additional modifications were seen on the tail cone. The WJ-10 engine, together with a new 6 or 8 blade propeller, is thought to be under development for the mysterious MA-700 passenger aircraft. It could also power the KJ-600 carrierborne AWACS as well as the proposed next-generation medium transport aircraft or tiltrotor aircraft in the future.
- Last Updated 10/8/24