CHINA says New Y-30 Transport Will Outperform U.S. C-130J in Payload and Power

China’s state-affiliated media and a recent analysis in Aerospace Knowledge (published by Beihang University) have highlighted the Y-30 as a next-generation medium-lift tactical transport aircraft intended to outperform the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules in several key areas.

The Y-30 is a four-engine turboprop developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Industry Corporation (under AVIC). It completed its maiden flight in December 2025 and remains in the early prototype/testing phase, with no publicly confirmed production schedule or final operational specifications from official Chinese sources.

According to the Chinese analysis, the Y-30 is positioned to surpass the C-130J in:

Engine power — Powered by four indigenous AEP-500 (or EP-500) turboprops, claimed to deliver significantly higher output than the C-130J’s Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 engines.

Payload capacity — Targeted at around 30 tonnes (some reports mention up to 35 tonnes in certain configurations), compared to the C-130J’s typical maximum payload of roughly 19–21 tonnes.

Structural design and materials — Extensive use of composites for reduced weight and improved strength, versus the C-130’s more traditional all-metal airframe.

Avionics and flight control software — Modern integrated systems offering potential advantages in automation and performance.and Continue Your, Reading. .