A Chinese airshow officially kicks off today and is bringing together china’s defense industry to showcase new high-tech warplanes, drones, and other technology set to be used by the Chinese military.
Chinese Z-10 attack helicopter
American AH-64 attack helicopter
The annual Zhuhai Airshow is expected to draw thousands of people and is considered one of the best glimpses the public can get of China’s secretive military capabilities. With the show starting later today, photos and video have emerged, showcasing some of the new technology the Chinese government has approved to reveal.
Attached is a roundup of significant military technology from the airshow, many of which closely resemble US military aircraft.
The J-20 Stealth Fighter:
For the first time, the J-20 stealth fighter jets will be on display for viewing. Previously, the aircraft has only performed flybys of the event and has never been in a static display. According to military analysts, the J-20 stealth fighter jets appear to have a large flat-screen digital display for the pilot. The body of the aircraft also shares some similarities to the us-made F35.
Detailed photos of the J-20 stealth fighter jet at the airshow
Detailed photos of the J-20 stealth fighter jet at the airshow
Detailed photos of the J-20 stealth fighter jet at the airshow
Detailed photos of the J-20 stealth fighter jet at the airshow
The J-20 stealth fighter jet HUD
The YY-20 Aerial Refueler:
Photos out of the airshow have revealed a new next-gen aerial refueler tanker, the YY-20. A significant observation of the aerial refueler is that the YY-20 boasts a cargo bay, something never seen in most next-gen aerial refuelers. Military analysts believe the aircraft can operate as a cargo transporter and refueler.
The YY-20 Aerial Refueler
The YY-20 Aerial Refueler prior to cargo bay being opened
The YY-20 Aerial Refueler with cargo bay open
The YY-20 Aerial Refueler
The YY-20 Aerial Refueler
The KJ-500A:
China has created a new variant of their KJ-500 (which operates as an airborne early warning and control aircraft). The new variant features an aerial refueling probe, allowing it to refuel while in flight, travel farther, and operate for more extended periods of time.
The KJ-500A
The KJ-500A
The KJ-500A with a closeup if refueling probe
The KJ-500A
The WZ-10 CAIG Wing Loong-10 jet-powered drone:
The Chinese military has revealed a new state-of-the-art drone, the WZ-10. According to military analysts, the drone can be used as an electronic warfare platform. In addition, it can be armed with air-to-ground and anti-ship weapons.
The WZ-10
The WZ-10
The WZ-10
The Wing Loong 3:
CAIG has revealed a new drone, the Loong 3. The drone features a larger wing span than its predecessor (the Wing Loong 2), can carry a heavier payload, travel 6,214 miles, and stay in the air for 40 hours at a time. Photos from the airshow also reveal the drone carrying air-to-air missiles and a sonobuoy used for anti-submarine operations.
The Wing Loong 3
The Wing Loong 3
Weaponry on the Wing Loong 3
Weaponry on the Wing Loong 3
Weaponry on the Wing Loong 3
The Wing Loong 1E:
CAIG has also rolled out an older model drone (the wing loong 1) which is now available for sale to other countries. The drone for sale operates as the Wing Loong 1E drone (with the “E” referring to export). Roughly a dozen countries have previously purchased this drone from China.
The Wing Loong 1E
The Wing Loong 1E
The Wing Loong 1E
The MD-22:
An uncrewed hypersonic aircraft dubbed the “MD-22” is on static display at the airshow. According to military analysts, the aircraft is still under development. The MD-22 is believed to have a top speed of Mach 7, is 10.8 meters long, has a wingspan of 4.5 meters, and weighs approximately 1 ton.
The MD-22
The MD-22
The MD-22
The Z-20, Z-8L transport helicopter:
Photos from the airshow reveal new Z-20 and Z-8L transport helicopters landing before the show started. In the photos, the aircraft can be seen with multiple sensors and defensive systems.
The Z-20
The Z-20
The Z-20
The Z-8L
The Z-10 attack helicopter:
Military analysts say the Z-10 attack helicopter resembles the Apache helicopter operated by the US military.
The Z-10
The Z-10
The Z-10
The Z-10
