All you need to know about China int'l Air Show

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The 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (China Air Show) opened on Tuesday in Zhuhai City, south China's Guangdong Province, attracting 770 exhibitors from home and abroad.

Much-anticipated military equipment showed up at the exhibition center, which covers an area of more than 500,000 square meters, including over 100,000 square meters indoor area and nearly 400,000 square meters outdoor space.

Before taking a closer look at each of the "mammoth", let's take a breath and see what's going on in the field.

Aerobatic flight show in Zhuhai

Aerobatic flight at 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /VCG Photo

Aerobatic flight in 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /VCG Photo

The “Saudi Hawks” aerobatic display team from the Royal Saudi Air Force has sent nine BAE Hawk MK.65A trainers to participate in the air show for the first time.

Exhibits displayed in the outdoor area at 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

Exhibits are displayed in the outdoor area at 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

Exhibits are displayed in the outdoor area at the 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

Our old friend: J-20 stealth fighter jet

The J-20 is China's fourth-generation long-range and first radar-evading combat aircraft. With its stealth capabilities, top cruising speed and long-range missiles, the new J-20 represents a leap forward in China's ability to project power in its air force.

The fighter is considered as China's counter to the US Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, in a move to break the US monopoly in stealth fighter development.

China's new stealth fighter jet, the J-20, is the country's first radar-evading combat aircraft. /Photo via CCTV

Y-20: One of the largest military transport airport

Designed and manufactured by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Y-20 boasts a maximum takeoff weight of around 200 tons.

Measuring 47m in length and 15m in height, Y-20 as one of the largest military transport aircraft in the world, is ideal for transporting cargo and personnel over long distances in diverse weather conditions.

Since being commissioned into China's Air Force, the Y-20 has had its tests and flight trials going smoothly. /Photo via CCTV

AG600: From marine to amphibious

China's AG600, code-named Kunlong, is designed to be the world's largest amphibious aircraft. With a 38.8-meter wingspan, it can take off from land and water and has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tons.

China's independently-developed large amphibious aircraft AG600. /VCG Photo

H-6K bomber: Boosting the long-range strike capabilities of China's air force

H-6K bomber during a flight at 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

The H-6K, a domestically-developed intermediate, and long-range bomber has participated in multiple combat exercises and training drills. Compared to previous models, the H-6K bomber has higher accuracy and longer range, which, to a large extent, boosted the long-range strike capabilities of China's air force.

A transport aircraft at the 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

Our new friend: Stealth drone CH-7 makes its debut

Stealth drone CH-7 makes its debut at the 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

The new generation stealth unmanned combat drone Caihong-7, known as CH-7 or Rainbow 7, made its debut with a cool appearance at the Zhuhai Air Show.

As one of the prominent members of the rainbow series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the CH-7, 10 meters long with a wingspan of 22 meters, boasts a high operational altitude, high speeds, long flight duration, and outstanding survivability.

CH-5 drone at the 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /VCG Photo

The rainbow series is famous for their abilities to perform fire suppression, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, long-term warning and other combat missions.

Carrier rocket family and space station module show up in Zhuhai

China's carrier rocket family on display at the 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

The heavy-lift carrier rockets model CZ-5, CZ-5B, CZ-6, CZ-6A, CZ-7, CZ-7A, CZ-8, CZ-11, the relay satellite model for the planned Chang'e-4 lunar probe, and other space-related equipment showed up in a group at the air show, attracting abundant visitors around the global.

Core module of the space station on display at the 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /Photo via CCTV

Ground equipment demonstration

Manufactured by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO), main battle tanks VT4, VT2B, VT5 , wheeled armored vehicles VN1, VN2, VN4, tracked armored infantry fighting vehicles VN12, VN17, mine-protected vehicle VP11 , and transportation vehicle VP22, are also presented.

It is said that they will give live demonstrations such as slope climbing, trench crossing, wading and maneuvers on various terrains, according to the press conference held by the China Air Show.

Ground equipment displayed at the 12th China Air Show in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. /VCG Photo