A license copy of the Antonov An-12 “Cub”, the Y-8 is used for many roles in Chinese service. Production started in the late 1960s and continues today; more than 125 have now been built plus additional examples for export and civilian (Y-8B & Y-8F100) use. The original design had a twin NR-23 gun in a manned tail turret; this is not included on the civilian versions, the specialized versions described below, nor recent examples of the military cargo version. The cargo bay can accommodate 96 fully-armed soldiers; or 82 paratroopers; or 60 stretchers +23 lightly-wounded casualties; or 20 tons of vehicles or cargo. A roller system on the floor allows for palletized airdrops.

Original Author: Jason W. Henson