Air Show China kicks-off November 4, with Chinese political and military weight giving impetus to the event.
Having failed to turn up in 2006, this time the Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft is in attendance. Two of the aircraft were parked, and partially covered, on the hard stand. One, or more, will fly during the show which runs from the 4-9 November in Zhuhai.
The J-10 debut marks the first time the Chinese air force (PLAAF) are fully participating in the event.
As well as the J-10s, two Shenyang J-8II fighter aircraft (above), a Xian JH-7A strike aircraft (below),
and a Xian H-6U tanker are also being shown at the event. Like the J-10s, the other aircraft were also part-covered prior to the formal opening on November 4.
A large-scale model of the J-10 is also on display with an array of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry. This included a two-store pylon configuration for the SD-10 (PL-12) active radar-guided missile.
Whether development of such a pylon configuration is underway remains to be seen. The model is also fitted with the PL-9C infrared dogfight missile. Air-to-surface munitions included laser-guided and satellite-guided bombs.
All pictures D. Barrie/AW&ST
One of them is orchestrated by left-wing politicans and covered by a tame party-line mass media.
The other one is an air show.