China Developing Solid Fuel Rocket Launchable From New Y-20 Transport Plane

Chinese scientists are reportedly developing a new solid fuel rocket which could be launched from country’s first domestically made jumbo air freighter, the Yun-20.

According to experts at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALVT), they are developing a new solid fuel rocket which could be launched by the Yun-20 in flight, sending a 100-kg load into near-earth orbit, Global Times reports citing a report by China Central Television (CCTV) Monday. The report did not provide any more details on it.

Military expert, Wang Mingliang, was quoted as saying that the Yun-20 will likely carry drones in the future as well. It's anticipated that the Yun-20 could be refitted as refueling plane carrying over 90 tons of fuel, as well as airborne early warning aircraft with larger radar and a cabin for passengers.