Boeing C-17 Globemaster III vs Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20 are both transport & tanker, compared here on public specifications. The Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20 leads on range (7,800 vs 4,482 km). Several China-origin figures here are manufacturer or state claims with limited independent verification, so treat this comparison as directional.
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Wins 6/9 |  Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20
Wins 3/9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 830 km/h | 920 km/h ✓ |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | 830 km/h ✓ | 800 km/h |
| Range (km) | 4,482 km | 7,800 km ✓ |
| Service ceiling (m) | 13,716 m ✓ | 13,000 m |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 53 m | 47 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 128,100 kg | 100,000 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 265,350 kg | 220,000 kg |
| Crew | 3 | 3 |
| Cargo payload (kg) | 77,519 kg ✓ | 66,000 kg |
| Troop capacity | 102 | 180 ✓ |
| Propulsion | ||
| Thrust (kN) | 180 kN ✓ | 138 kN |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $340,000,000 | N/A |
| Units built | 279 ✓ | 90 |
| Operator countries | 8 ✓ | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20? +
The Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20 is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 920 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20 has the longest range at 7,800 km.
Which is cheaper? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the lower public unit-cost figure at 340,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher cargo payload? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the higher cargo payload at 77,519 kg.
Which has the higher cruise speed? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the higher cruise speed at 830 km/h.
Which has the higher service ceiling? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the higher service ceiling at 13,716 m.
Is the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III better than the Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20? +
On the public specs we track, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20 are closely matched, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III leads on cargo payload, cruise speed, service ceiling, while Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAC) Y-20 leads on max speed, range, troop capacity. See the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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