By Jiang Jie (People’s Daily Online) 17:08, September 07, 2016
China’s newly established aero-engine corporation will make its official debut at the 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, which will also include live demonstrations of ground force weaponry. Airshow China will be hosted in the city of Zhuhai in Guangdong province
At a press conference on Sept. 7, Zheng Renhao, mayor of Zhuhai, said that the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), whose establishment was unveiled on Aug. 28, will participate in this year’s exhibition, along with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
“This year’s Airshow China has made a major breakthrough with regards to the participation of Western countries’ stunt pilot teams. In addition to the Bayi Aerobatic Team from the Chinese Air Force, the U.K.’s renowned Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team [also known as the Red Arrows] will contribute a performance. Composite formation will be demonstrated by the Russian Knights and Swifts aerobatic teams, flying Su-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets. This will be the first time the Knights and the Swifts put on a show outside of Russia,” Zheng explained.
Apart from aerobatic performances, which are a staple of air shows, the exhibition in Zhuhai will boast for the first time a live demonstration of 11 ground force weapons for military and civilian use, from armored tanks to all-terrain vehicles.
According to Jia Hongqian, deputy general manager of the China North Industries Group Corporation, the company will present a VT-4 main battle tank, a VN-12 tracked armored infantry fighting vehicle, a VN-1 8×8 armored vehicle, an N2 6×6 armored infantry fighting vehicle, a VN4 4×4 wheeled armored vehicle and a VP11 4×4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicle.
The Chinese Air Force will display more than 900 pieces of weaponry for more than 60 models of aircraft, radar and missiles that are in active deployment. Over 130 aircraft in total will be on display, and more than 700 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions will participate in this year’s event. Some 45 percent of the exhibitors are from overseas. Apart from the Netherlands and New Zealand, who are returning exhibitors, Austria will also join the exhibition for the first time, according to Zheng.
This year’s Airshow China will run from Nov. 1 through 6.