According to local sources, China has finalized the sale of its domestically developed Shaanxi Y-9E transport aircraft to the Namibian Air Force, marking Namibia as the first international customer to acquire these aircraft. The announcement, made by the manufacturer Shaanxi Aircraft Industry (Group) Corp (SAIC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), also mentions that the aircraft has been offered to other potential buyers.
According to African media, the Y-9Es were acquired on November 17, following a route that included seven stops in various countries before arriving in Namibia. Upon arrival, the president highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating that it will greatly contribute to enhancing and increasing the operational capacity of the local forces and improving their preparedness to respond proactively to any situation. Additionally, local media reported that the Namibian Air Force acquired two Shaanxi Y-9E transport aircraft, which will be integrated into the fleet in Grootfontein.
The Y-9E was developed based on the Y-9 transport aircraft and adapted to meet the requirements of foreign customers. It can carry out missions ranging from personnel, equipment, and supply transport, offering safety and reliability. In this regard, Wu Jiancheng, AVIC SAIC spokesperson, stated: “The Y-9E transport aircraft is characterized by its excellent flight performance, long endurance, and great adaptability to diverse environments, making it suitable for tropical, low-temperature, and high-altitude regions.”
According to public data, the Y-9E transport aircraft is approximately 36 meters long and has a wingspan of about 38 meters. It has a maximum payload capacity of 20 tons and a maximum takeoff weight of around 65 tons. Furthermore, the aircraft can reach a maximum cruising speed of 660 kilometers per hour, operate at a cruising altitude of about seven to eight kilometers, and has a maximum range of 5,200 kilometers.
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