From Assembling in Formation to Soaring Globally: What Transformation Has the "Kunpeng" Undergone?

Original Title: "Kunpeng" Spreads Its Wings Towards the Future

—— An Observational Report from a Certain Air Force Aviation Regiment

"Kunpeng" spreads its wings, soaring thousands of miles.

On a summer noon, at the airport of a certain Air Force aviation regiment, the roar of the Y-20 transport aircraft echoed across the sky. The massive airflow rushing towards the hundreds of tons heavy aircraft provided a powerful thrust, as several "Kunpeng" took off in succession, heading to the designated airspace to conduct a multi-task realistic flight training.

Strategic delivery capability is an important component of a country's rapid response capability and a significant indicator of a nation's defense strength. The Y-20, hailed as the "Great Power Kunpeng," is China's independently developed new generation of large military transport aircraft, marking a key step forward in the strategic delivery capability of the People's Air Force.

The Air Force aviation regiment is equipped with three types of domestically produced large transport aircraft: Y-20A, Y-20A tanker, and Y-20B. In recent years, the officers and soldiers of this regiment have deeply studied and implemented Xi Jinping's thoughts on strengthening the military, flying to high plateaus, distant seas, across deserts, and going abroad, successfully completing multiple major tasks, interpreting the mission of the "Great Power Kunpeng" with magnificent flight paths.

From receiving the aircraft to flying globally, what kind of transformation has "Kunpeng" undergone? Behind this transformation, how many people's perseverance and breakthroughs are carried? Recently, reporters visited the regiment to listen to the stories of officers and soldiers who have etched their youth and glory in the blue sky.

"The greatness of the aircraft lies not only in its size but also in its great responsibility."

On June 16, the officers and soldiers of the regiment gathered in the aircraft maintenance training center classroom, where the "Kunpeng Lecture Hall" was in full swing. Six officers and soldiers from different positions took turns to share their stories with "Kunpeng."

Among them were mechanics who have been dedicated to the Y-20's growth since its induction; young pilots who, having graduated from military school less than three years ago, flew over Tiananmen Square to proudly accept inspection; and grassroots soldiers who have executed overseas missions multiple times, with their passports stamped with colorful entry and exit stamps... Each sincere and simple sharing vividly showcased the solid strength of this unit flying for the Party.

This "Kunpeng Lecture Hall" also invited a special guest — the chief designer of the Y-20 and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Tang Changhong.

"Back then, I was both anxious and excited as I delivered the Y-20 to the troops, hoping it could quickly take on its mission and grow into a globally renowned Kunpeng in your hands. Now, you have done it, we have done it!" Tang Changhong expressed heartfelt words to the young aviators.

His words ignited the passion of pilot Yuan Bo, and images of executing major tasks flashed through his mind like a movie.

On September 3, 2025, above Tiananmen Square, six transport aircraft came through the clouds with a thunderous force, astonishing the onlookers.

During the commemorative parade for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, the regiment formed a transport aircraft formation, and the Y-20B aircraft was inspected for the first time. Yuan Bo and his comrades overcame the adverse effects of close-distance wedge formation wake turbulence, developing methods for precise maintenance of transport aircraft in dense formations, flying the aircraft through Tiananmen Square with impeccable timing.

The Y-20B, equipped with four domestically produced engines, possesses airlift, airdrop, and airborne capabilities, with excellent flight performance. "It is such a privilege to pilot the aircraft and accept the inspection from the Party and the people!" Yuan Bo said.

Looking back on the journey, the loyalty to fly for the Party has been continuously passed down through the bloodline of this unit. In the early 1950s, upon the order of the Party Central Committee, the predecessor of this regiment flew over the world's roof under extreme conditions without reliable meteorological and navigation data, successfully opening the Kangzang air route.

As time flows, the spirit endures. After receiving the Y-20 aircraft, the team continued the fine tradition of "loyal to the mission, daring to fly and explore, strict and meticulous," injecting continuous spiritual momentum into the flight of "Kunpeng," leaving behind touching stories.

On New Year's Eve 2020, they set out against the tide, transporting hundreds of medical personnel to aid Wuhan, Hubei; in early 2022, they embarked on a night journey, flying over 10,000 kilometers to deliver emergency supplies to Tonga; in April 2026, they executed the task of repatriating the remains of Korean War martyrs, with the Y-20B flying abroad for the first time, welcoming the most lovable people with the most powerful "Chinese heart"... Wherever national interests expand, strategic delivery capability extends there.

"The greatness of the aircraft lies not only in its size but also in its great responsibility. All officers and soldiers of the regiment consciously and firmly arm their minds with Xi Jinping's thoughts on strengthening the military, honing their loyalty and faith through repeated takeoffs and landings," said the regiment's political commissar, Li Shining.

"Innovation has become something everyone in this team thinks about and works on."

With strong winds blowing, beside the tarmac, reporters waited for the return of "Kunpeng" after completing its mission. Would such weather affect the flight?

"No problem! We have encountered even more extreme weather," the regiment's leadership confidently replied to the reporters' questions. Soon, the roar of engines broke the silence as a Y-20 appeared in the sky and then landed gracefully. Looking up, the massive aircraft stood as tall as four or five stories, resembling a towering mountain of steel.

Mastering the "national heavy weapon" while still achieving a steady performance is due to this unit's continuous refinement of skills and capabilities, honing their confidence to win in every move.

"Look, the fully digital cockpit, fly-by-wire control system, and LCD instrument displays are all domestically produced, highly integrated, digitalized, and intelligent!" As the door opened, pilot Jin Jian proudly introduced, "From the Y-8 to the Y-20, the range is farther, the payload is larger, and the speed is faster."

In 2019, the Y-20A was inducted into the regiment. As one of the first pilots to transition to "Kunpeng," Jin Jian vividly remembers the charging state of his comrades during the initial phase of the new aircraft's induction.

Lacking relevant materials, they continuously summarized and refined, compiling 33 volumes of a knowledge system totaling 1.8 million words; with unclear data on the new aircraft, they collected issues through actual flights during the day and concentrated on learning and tackling problems at night. The officers and soldiers endured countless nights under the stars, showcasing the astonishing "Kunpeng" speed — completing its first flight in four days, flying to high altitudes in 46 days, and executing major tasks in five months...

The transition to the new aircraft is not only an upgrade of equipment but also requires a transformation in thinking.

When getting off the plane, reporters noticed that the flight bag the pilot was carrying did not seem very heavy. "This is thanks to our independently developed 'Kunpeng Wing' electronic flight bag," pilot Li Shanran remarked, "Previously, the flight bag was filled with checklists, maps, task plans, and various materials. Now, with the 'Kunpeng Wing' electronic flight bag, we can 'grab the bag and go' when faced with urgent tasks."

"Open the tablet, enter the operation page, and just input the basic parameters to achieve 'one-click planning' of the mission route." The main developer of the electronic flight bag, pilot Lu Qifan, demonstrated the functions of the electronic flight bag on-site.

"Our regiment often executes cross-regional flight missions, and the cumbersome navigation calculations are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Can we develop a software that allows various calculations to be 'completed with one click'?" Lu Qifan explained that after five years of verification, improvement, and iterative upgrades, the team has incubated a brand new system — "Kunpeng Wing," covering content such as Kunpeng examination standards, formation convergence, and tactical timing calculations.

After the Y-20 was inducted, the regiment welcomed an opportunity for transformation and development. The regiment's party committee clearly recognized that the induction of the new aircraft does not equate to having the capability; breakthroughs must be sought through innovation.

"Now, more and more technical backbones are joining the innovation team. Innovation has become something everyone in this team thinks about and works on," said regiment commander Pang Rongqi. They established the "Kunpeng Wing" innovation studio, formed five research and development teams, and launched 18 innovative achievements, including a fuel area management system and a mission planning system.

"The flight bag is lighter, but the 'capability package' for officers and soldiers to win is getting heavier." Lu Qifan said that the crew's energy has been liberated from cumbersome calculations, allowing for more time and energy to be devoted to tasks and the battlefield.

"As long as we understand the rules and master them, we will have the confidence to fly and fight."

In the afternoon, the sun blazed. After a Y-20 arrived above the airport, it suddenly dove rapidly... Surprisingly, the pilot completing this high-difficulty tactical maneuver had just recently taken on the role of captain.

"Tactical training like this has become routine in our regiment. Only by allowing young pilots to continuously hone their skills and courage in flight can we truly accelerate the enhancement of combat effectiveness," said flight instructor Liu Ping.

Flipping through the pilot roster, it was surprising to find that this team is so young — with an average age of only 31, injecting new vitality into combat effectiveness generation.

Based on the future battlefield environment, the regiment has developed dozens of specialized flight training contents, ensuring that tactical training is interspersed in every flight, so that they can respond calmly in case of emergencies. Over the years, the officers and soldiers have increasingly immersed themselves in combat roles alongside "Kunpeng," accelerating the transition of the unit from a campaign delivery type to a strategic delivery type, and from a task-oriented to a combat-oriented type.

Large military transport aircraft are key equipment for achieving long-range rapid strategic delivery. In the face of the urgent need for the transformation of the strategic air force, how can we accelerate the training of flight personnel?

"Flying is a career for the brave and requires a strong scientific approach. As long as we understand the rules and master them, we will have the confidence to fly and fight," Liu Ping explained. Since its induction, the officers and soldiers of the regiment have focused on modifying, summarizing, and standardizing, gradually completing the transition from piloting aircraft to managing aircraft and supporting combat roles, achieving "one person can fly, two can fight, and three can carry out diverse overseas missions."

"Practical Data Handbook," "Tactical Flight Methods," "Crew Coordination Standards"… Entering the intelligent training center, reporters saw neatly arranged manuals on the table. Liu Ping said, "These are the combat literacy training series compiled by our regiment for the Y-20 series aircraft, which can make the operational processes more 'standardized'."

"In the past, training new pilots relied heavily on experience and took a long time, with practical standards varying from person to person. Now, we have solidified detailed rules from cockpit operations, emergency handling to ground maintenance based on the performance characteristics of the Y-20, not only accelerating the growth of new pilots but also making operations more standardized and unified," flight instructor Zhang Xiaobing explained.

In recent years, as the talent incubation base for the Air Force's Y-20, the regiment has relied on major tasks to incorporate a large number of young flight backbones into task formations, promoting the accelerated growth of young pilots through mentorship, training over 20 flight instructors and nearly 30 captains, and undertaking the transition of over a hundred new pilots for the Air Force, as well as training and delivering flight backbones for brother units.

Entering the regiment's honor room, a flight path map marked with a red flag stands out: Russia, South Korea, Egypt… Each spectacular appearance and each systematic training exercise, every transnational flight route represents "Kunpeng" striking out, with missions accomplished.

Looking at this flight path map, operations staff Wang Chenyang said, "In 2025, our 'Kunpeng' flight paths will cover over 30 countries and regions across four continents!"

In the future, how high and how far can "Kunpeng" fly?

"There is a poem that everyone likes — 'The Great Peng rises with the wind, soaring straight up to ninety thousand miles.'" Post-00s pilot Wang Zihao said firmly, "We will be ready to respond, writing an even more magnificent flight path for the Great Power Kunpeng in the vast sky."

Reporter’s Note

Two Photos Witness the Unchanging Original Intention

During the interview with a certain Air Force aviation regiment, the two photos treasured by air mechanic Wei Peng left a deep impression —

One was taken in 2012, where he stood beside a Y-8 aircraft, introducing its structure to foreign guests; the other was taken in 2024 at the 15th China Airshow, where he stood beside the majestic Y-20, telling the audience about the story of the "Great Power Kunpeng" flying.

In his more than 20 years of military career, from the Y-8 to the Y-20, Wei Peng has witnessed the gradual development and strengthening of the strategic delivery capability of the People's Air Force. Looking at the new generation of large military transport aircraft equipped with a "Chinese heart" and increasingly strong carrying capacity, he firmly stated: the aircraft has changed, but the original intention remains unchanged.

Back then, the Y-8, although lacking top-notch equipment, relied on the fearless expeditions of the flight personnel and the meticulous maintenance of the mechanics to shoulder the heavy burden of transport delivery and emergency rescue. Today’s Y-20 has long become the main force of the strategic delivery of the People's Air Force. They fly over thousands of miles of mountains and rivers, repeatedly bringing life and hope to disaster-stricken people; they rush to foreign lands, continuously demonstrating the responsibilities of a great power across the globe.

From the arduous exploration of "more steel and less gas" to the confident and vigorous "more steel and more gas," the appearance of the iron wings is changing, but the faith of the People's Air Force in guarding the mountains and rivers remains unchanged, and the commitment of the People's Air Force to fly for the Party remains unchanged.