One of the largest air shows in the world is currently being held in Zhuhai, China. Currently in its eleventh year, the air show has become the go-to spot for seeing the latest in Chinese military hardware. An impressive number of new airplanes are making their debuts there this year, including the J-20 stealth fighter, Y-20 strategic airlifter, and AG-600 seaplane.
The 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition—known to most people simply as the Zhuhai Air Show—starts November 1st and runs until November 6th, taking place at the China International Aviation Exhibition Center in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. Seven hundred exhibitors from 42 countries and regions around the world will exhibit at the show, but all eyes will be on the latest Chinese aircraft and weapons.
A number of pictures have trickled out of the show a day early, giving us the rundown on what will be on display. The show venue is divided into an Aviation and Aerospace Hall and a Weapons Exhibition Hall.
China's J-20 fighter. Via People's Daily.
The People's Liberation Army Air Force, also known as the Chinese Air Force, hasconfirmed that the country's new J-20 jet fighter will make its public debut at Zhuhai. The fifth generation fighter has been spotted in a new camouflage pattern and has reportedly entered low-rate initial production. But there's still one thing everyone would like to know, and that's what, exactly, the large, twin-engine fighter is for. Speculation is that the fighter could be a long-range air superiority fighter, light bomber, or some combination of both.
Another aircraft on display will be the Y-20 strategic transport. Roughly similar to the U.S. Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III, the Y-20 is China's first jet-powered heavy transport. The aircraft is expected to eventually carry up to 65 tons of cargo, but China has had problems developing a proper engine for it. For now, the aircraft uses Russian Soloviev D-30K turbofan engines. According to Chinese Air Force watcher Mike Yeo, the Y-20 could also be developed into an aerial tanker, something China desperately needs if it wants to keep pushing out its influence regionally.
AG-600. Via China.org.cn.
The AG-600 seaplane is also debuting at Zhuhai. The AG-600 is the largest seaplane in the world, as large as a Boeing 737 airline. The new seaplane and will likely be used for search and rescue, maritime patrol, and resupply of China's new fake islands.
The show isn't limited to aircraft, either—the new VT-4 main battle tank and Type 96B main battle tank have been sighted on their way to Zhuhai, where they will undoubtedly try to rack up export sales. Thailand has purchased 50 VT-4s for $4 million each. China is also hawking its VP11 Mine Resistant Armor Protection vehicle, meant to protect troops from improvised explosive devices.
Of course, it wouldn't be an air show without flight demonstration teams. The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows, consisting of twelve Hawk jet trainers, seen above, are practicing ahead of the show. Two teams from Russia, the Knights (flying Su-27 Flanker fighters) and theSwifts (MiG-29 Fulcrums). Representing China and flying the homegrown J-10 fighter is theBayi Acrobatic Team, which arrived October 27th.
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