C-17 Globemaster III vs Xian Y-20: how to tell them apart

Two transport and support aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

C-17 Globemaster III

Transport or support aircraft, USA. In service since 1995

What gives it away

Large four-jet high-wing transport with winglets, a T-tail and a rear ramp.

Used by

USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, NATO

Xian Y-20

Transport or support aircraft, China. In service since 2016

What gives it away

Four-engine transport with a high wing, a T-tail and a wide fuselage; like the C-17 but without winglets on the wing tips.

Used by

China

C-17 Globemaster III · Xian Y-20 · All guides