ZHUHAI, China – Air Show China kicked off Nov. 4 with Chinese political and military weight giving impetus to the event.

The Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft is in attendance after having failed to turn up in 2006. Two of the aircraft were parked, and partially covered, on the hard stand. One or more will fly during the show, which runs here until Nov. 9.

The J-10 debut marks the first time the Chinese air force (PLAAF) is fully participating in the event. Two Shenyang J-8II fighters, a Xian JH-7A strike aircraft and a Xian H-6U tanker, are also being shown at the event. Like the J-10s, the other aircraft were also partially covered prior to the formal opening.

A large-scale model of the J-10 also is 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 under way 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.

The air show is the only international aerospace trade show in China that is endorsed by the Chinese central government.

Click here to read four posts of coverage and pictures from Air Show China.

Photo: Douglas Barrie