The advent of the Xian Y-20 military transport aircraft (the largest in the People's Liberation Army Air Force) has breathed new life into China's stalled effort to launch missiles and rockets from aircraft flying at high altitudes.

Nicknamed "Chubby Girl," the Y-20 entered service with the PLAAF in June 2016 and is now being mass produced. The plane will be modified to accommodate missiles or rockets weighing from 100 kg to 200 kg as part of the air launched rocket program.

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The rockets will carry satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The military application of the program is classified but pundits believe the Y-20 might be used as a launch platform for anti-satellite missiles (ASATs).

The program is a joint effort between China and Ukraine, with the latter assisting in the development of the air launched rocket.

State-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has been involved in the air launching project for over a decade. It's spearheading development work on the air-launched rocket, and has the capability to do so as the primary contractor for China's military-owned space program.

CASC has also developed most of China's frontline ballistic, anti-ship and cruise missiles, as well as "tactical microsatellites."

As an airborne launch pad for rockets and missiles, the Y-20 should be able to carry a new generation of Chinese rockets initially capable of launching payloads weighing 100 kilograms into LEO. Chinese engineers plan to develop a larger air-launched rocket capable to lofting 200 kg into LEO.

The Y-20 is Asia's largest transport aircraft and is also the largest military aircraft currently in production. It can loft 40 short tons of cargo 4,850 miles and 73 short tons 2,800 miles.

The first two aircraft with the PLAAF are operated by the 12th Regiment of the 4th Transport Division at Chengdu/Qionglai. The PLAAF and the two other armed services of the People's Liberation Army intend to order up to 1,000 Y-20s.

China is the third nation after the United States and Russia to design and develop its own heavy military transport aircraft.