The Chinese military is set to unveil some of its latest warplanes, including J-35A stealth fighter, HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile, and a large drone ship known as the Killer Whale, at its annual airshow in Zhuhai city which will begin on Tuesday. The event will go on till Sunday.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) displays its capabilities and weapons at the airshow, which is a biennial event. Drones, weapons systems, aircraft, and electronic warfare technologies will be on display at the event.
Russia has flown its most advanced fighter jet, the SU-57, to Zhuhai for its first airshow abroad.
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Here's what is to look forward to at China's biggest civil and military airshow.
J-15T fighter jet
The PLA Navy will display its J-15T fighter jet designed to be operated from China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult unlike the other two carriers, Liaoning and Shandong. The design of the J-15T is based on the baseline type of the J-15 and was modified to allow it to be launched by an aircraft carrier's catapult system. J-15T can also be deployed on Liaoning and Shandong, both of which have a ski jump method for launching fixed-wing aircraft.
J-35A stealth fighter
The twin-engine multi-role fighter, which bears a striking resemblance to F-35 Lightning II of the US will also be on display at the air show. Described as a “medium-sized stealth multi-role fighter" this fighter jet, modeled J-31 stealth fighter, has several advantages in terms of “first detection, first strike” capabilities. It is equipped with modern avionics and targeting systems, including an electro-optical targeting system.
J-20 stealth fighter
The fifth-generation twin-engine stealth fighter aircraft Chengdu J-20, also known as the Mighty Dragon, will be on display at the event. Designed primarily for air superiority and precision strike missions, this fighter jet can now rival F-22 Raptor of the US, which combines stealth, speed, agility, and situational awareness, and long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. J-20 is equipped with advanced avionics, including the Type 1475 AESA radar, which enables beyond-visual range (BVR) engagements.
Killer Whale
A large drone ship, known as the Killer Whale, will be on display at the air show. The Killer Whale has a dual diesel and electric propulsion system, which allows it to reach a maximum speed of more than 40 knots (74km/h) with a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles (7,400km). It is capable of operating on the open sea for a long time. It has been described as an all-round warrior that can carry a range of weapons including rockets, anti-ship missiles, and ship-to-air missiles; and is equipped with a take-off and landing pad for helicopters at the rear. It can be independently deployed and carry out patrols, anti-submarine operations and air defence, as well as rescue operations.
Su-57 stealth fighter
The fifth-generation twin-engine, stealth multirole fighter aircraft, developed by Russia's Sukhoi company, will also be on display at the show. This is Su-57's first air show abroad and its presence at the show can be perceived as a sign of the growing ties between China and Russia. It is equipped with advanced avionics and is capable of supercruising at speeds up to Mach 1.3 and can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.0.
Z-20 armed helicopter
The Harbin Z-20 is a medium-lift utility helicopter, designed to meet the operational needs of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). It has a fly-by-wire flight control system and features a five-bladed main rotor. The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of around 10 tonnes and can operate effectively at high altitudes, making it suitable for diverse terrains.
There will be displays of air assault operations by the Z-20J shipborne helicopter and Z-8C transport helicopter, carrying naval marine units and related equipment, according to news agency Xinhua.
The Z-9F shipborne anti-submarine helicopter and Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft will also be on display, besides several shipborne weapon systems and maritime rescue and survival equipment.
