Airshow China opens in S China, showcasing cutting-edge aerospace innovations

The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) opened on Tuesday in Zhuhai City, south China's Guangdong Province, attracting more than 1,000 companies from 47 countries and regions.

The highly anticipated event, running through Sunday, promises a thrilling lineup of aerial displays, with about four hours of flight performances scheduled every day.

The Bayi (August 1) Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force took to the skies as the first performer. Six J-10C fighter jets soared into the air, releasing smoke in red, yellow and blue colors. The aerobatic team showcased a series of precise formations and stunts, including the iconic "double aircraft fly-past" and wide-radius rolls.

This marks the 11th appearance of the aerobatic team at the air show and the debut performance with the new J-10C fighter.

The J-10C is a third-generation modified supersonic, multirole fighter developed by China, featuring cutting-edge avionics and advanced weaponry. It has the capability of short- and medium-range air supremacy and precise strikes against ground and maritime targets.

The fighter made its public debut during the PLA's 90th anniversary in July, 2017.

Debut of China's new stealth fighter J-35A

On the opening day, China's new stealth fighter J-35A made its official debut. As a new-generation multirole stealth fighter, the medium-sized J-35A features an integrated design combining aerodynamics, structure and stealth capabilities, making it a highly versatile stealth fighter.

Experts noted that the J-35A ranks among the top in the world for its stealth capabilities, which encompass several aspects such as radar, infrared, optical and acoustic stealth capabilities.

The J-35A also boasts a relatively high fuel load factor, which allows for a longer operational range, faster flight speed and potentially higher service ceiling and payload capacity. Its maneuverability also outperforms its competitors in key areas. These advanced capabilities ensure it with far-reaching implications for both national defense and international competition.

With the introduction of J-35A, China has become the second country, following the U.S., in the world to possess two types of stealth fighters, with the other one the J-20.

Global debut of 'Orca' unmanned combat vessel

The air show also featured the global debut of China's large unmanned combat vessel, JARI-USV-A, also known as "Orca."

Measuring 58 meters in length, the 500-tonne stealth USV boasts a maximum speed of 40 knots with a range of 4,000 nautical miles.

The combat vessel features a large aft deck that can accommodate multiple unmanned helicopters, which can extend its search range or enhance the strike capabilities by carrying various weapon systems, said military expert Fu Qianshao.

The vessel is capable of carrying a diverse array of payloads for long-range strikes, air defense, anti-missile and anti-submarine warfare operations. It can also be equipped with various search and detection systems, including electro-optical sensors, infrared and optical radars. Meanwhile, it is fitted with advanced sonar systems to detect underwater threats, particularly in areas near ports where underwater threats pose significant risks to both military and civilian vessels, according to Fu.

"The vessel excels in aerial, surface, and underwater detection capabilities. Depending on the mission, it can be equipped with different payloads to suit specific operational needs," he said.

ARJ21 with new name of C909

China's homegrown regional jetliner, the ARJ21, was rebranded as C909 at a product launch by its developer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

Since its commercial operation in 2016, the C909 has delivered a total of 150 aircraft and safely carried over 17 million passengers.

The jetliner has undergone continuous improvements in performance, cabin comfort and crew operations, allowing it to offer multiple cabin configurations. It is equipped with excellent takeoff and landing capabilities at airports with short, narrow runways, as well as in high-altitude, hot or cold environments, making it highly adaptable to the operating conditions in China's border regions, Southeast Asia, Africa and other overseas areas.

The C909 is well-suited for building a route network based on regional or secondary hub airports, providing capacity support to major hub airports. Additionally, it is capable of flying on commercial routes using sustainable aviation fuel, meeting the diverse needs of customers.