China ZHUHAI AIRSHOW - FULL OF SURPRISES PART 1

[Fatman17]

ZHUHAI AIRSHOW - FULL OF SURPRISES PART 1​

1. Zhuhai airshow - full of surprises Part 1

By Andreas Rupprecht
17th January 2025
NEWS
Andreas Rupprecht appraises the fighters on display at the Zhuhai Airshow, an event that was full of surprises
The 2024 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition – better known as the China or Zhuhai Airshow – took place from November 12 to 14, in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. This biennial event was eagerly awaited by aviation enthusiasts and analysts from all around the globe as well as the general public. They were not disappointed, as all the well-known Chinese manufacturers exhibited, and as is now customary, all three branches of the People’s Liberation Army: the Army Aviation (PLA), Naval Aviation (PLAN NA) and the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) showed off their latest systems both in spectacular flight as well as extensive static displays. Foreign traders were also present, and a special focus was the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
According to Chinese sources, almost 600,000 people visited the airshow, and contracts worth a total of over 280 billion yuan (almost US$39bn) were signed.
The Zhuhai Airshow is special because it is the only international airshow that takes place in mainland China, plus China tends to be reserved and secretive when it comes to military news. Plus, this event is usually used to publicise new equipment and often reveals major surprises.

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation J-35A’s unveiling of the PLAAF’s newest stealth fighter was a major surprise. Wearing a prominent ‘75’ on its tails to commemorate the PLAAF’s 75th anniversary, this was the second J-35A to appear during the show. It differed from the first example by having a pivot-type mechanism for its horizontal tail (compared to hinge-type stabilators) and had different engines Chinese internet

Shenyang J-35A – the ‘Shining Dragon’​

The undisputed star and in some ways the biggest surprise was the unveiling of the PLAAF’s newest stealth fighter, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) J-35A. Wearing a prominent ‘75’ on its tails to commemorate the PLAAF’s 75th anniversary, it wore only PLAAF markings but no visible numbers.
The J-35 is so far only officially known as the PLAN’s new naval fighter for the new aircraft carrier Fujian. At least three, possibly two more, prototypes have been in testing since October 2022. At the show it was presented by the PLAAF rather than by AVIC or SAC. Consequently, it was confirmed what had only been rumoured for about a year based on blurry photos and social media reports. The PLAAF is not only actively involved in the J-35 program but will allegedly put the aircraft into service before PLAN NA. This means that the J-35A medium-sized stealth fighter – previously unofficially known as the J-31 – will officially become the second stealth fighter in PLAAF service as the ‘Shining Dragon’ (Yàolóng) after the J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ (Weˉilóng), a counterpart to the American F-35.
The J-35A evolved from SAC’s private venture development and the very first demonstrator – then often referred to as the FC-31 (V1) – was shown at Zhuhai ten years ago. Initially the PLAAF was not particularly interested due to its preference for the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s J-20 but over the years it slowly evolved via the FC-31 (V2) finally to the naval J-35. In fact, it was the first public appearance of that type and two clearly different prototypes were shown.
Since March 2021 it was rumoured that a dedicated land-based variant was being developed – initially expected to be an export variant – as the J-31 without arresting hook and folded wings with an overall smaller wing. In addition, it features a single-wheel nose gear and an EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System) underneath the nose and – like the J-20 – several small polygon-shaped EODAS (Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System) windows around the fuselage. Allegedly, the prototypes are still powered by WS-21 turbofan engines, which are improved WS-13 engines, before the WS-19 are ready.
That secret program gained public attention, when in March 2022 an airframe was rumoured to have been transported to the 623 Institute for static tests. According to credible sources, the first J-35A prototype performed its maiden flight on September 26, 2023. At least three prototypes seem to currently be in testing and the two flown separately on different days of the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow differed not only in a redesigned mechanism to steer their stabilators/horizontal tails – one with a pivot-type while the second most likely later prototype a hinge-type mechanism but also in their exhausts. It wasn’t clear if the new WS-19 was in use or the older WS-13E. The aircraft is rumoured to be entering service for operational evaluation (Opeval) with the PLAAF as soon as 2025, ahead of its naval counterpart, which remains in test.
Otherwise, there is currently lots of noise in certain forums, that the Pakistan Air Force is the first export customer for that type and will be getting them “soon”. In the author’s opinion any date before 2028 – aka after OPEVAL was concluded and it entered PLAAF service in a frontline unit – would be more than surprising. On the other hand, an export variant could, for the first time, be a 5th generation fighter in addition to the US F-35. So, with the flying display consisting only of a single flyby with afterburner, followed by an unrestricted climb to exit, it was not possible to draw a conclusion, but time will tell.

In contrast to the LRIP J-15 in the static display area, the flight demonstrations were performed by operational production aircraft like this J-15T, carrying inert PL-12 AAMs (bottom) and the twin-seater J-15D carrying huge jammer-pods. Chinese internet

Catapult-capable Shenyang J-15T and J-15D electronic warfare variant​

The second major surprise was the participation of the PLAN Naval Aviation – itself a first at any Zhuhai Airshow – and their unveiling of two important fighter types, namely the J-15T catapult-capable variant and J-15D electronic warfare variant.
The unveiling of the J-15T – so far unofficially known as the J-15B – was long awaited. A few days prior to the show, the PLAN leaked some impressive images showing both the CV-16 Liaoning and CV-17 Shandong in dual-carrier operations, including a fly-by of at least 13 J-15s and 19 more on deck of both aircraft carriers. The PLAN officially confirmed the J-15s in service as the J-15T.
Known as a demonstrator since July 2016 – then based on the original J-15 airframe – the original J-15T was used to exhibit catapult capabilities. The serial variant is set to become the CV-18 Fujian aircraft carrier’s most important fighter until the J-35 becomes available by the late 2020s. In 2021 it became clear this type had again been modified dramatically. Besides its strengthened front landing gear, there was the addition of a new AESA-radar in a canted radome, as well as other changes related to its avionics and cockpit. The LRIP-aircraft (low-rate initial production) are all configured this way, including the one shown at Zhuhai in the static display area, numbered 1518. This aircraft is unique, since it uses WS-10B engines unlike all other the operational aircraft seen so far which still rely on Russian AL-31F engines. Why the J-15 is the only Chinese Flanker variant that still relies on the Russian engine is not clear. Some reports suggest that the WS-10 engine is less resilient to saltwater than the Russian engine. However, it has also been reported that it was always the intention to install that engine and integrate them into future production blocks while all the delivered ones are likely be re-engined. That a WS-10-powered J-15T was seen at the show is a sign of growing confidence in this indigenous engine.
Even if the J-15T is to be stationed onboard the new Type 003 aircraft carrier, it has already become operational on both STOBAR (short take-off, barrier-arrested recovery) carriers and according to some analysis, around 30 are currently operational, forming a most capable force onboard the two legacy aircraft carriers. Adding to the revelation of operational J-15Ts onboard the two current carriers, and the appearance of the next important naval variant – the J-15D electronic warfare variant.
The J-15D has been known about since late 2016 and is based on the J-15S twin-seater as well as the PLAAF J-16D EW-version. It carries similar huge wingtip ESM/ELINT pods, has its windshield IRST/LR removed and features a different AESA-radar in a slightly different radome. Besides several more conformal antennas dotted all over the aircraft, it also carries four large EW//jammer-pods of the new RKZ-930 series.
Also expected to enter service “soon”, the two aircraft shown at Zhuhai are in service with PLAN Naval Aviation onboard the two STOBAR carriers Liaoning and Shandong and consequently it is expected that there will also be a CATOBAR (catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery)-capable variant in the future for the Fujian. As such, the two D-series types J-15D and J-16D are aimed for SEAD/DEAD to neutralise enemy radar and communication systems to accompany the regular J-15 and J-16 multirole fighters similar to the EA-18G Growler in US Navy service and have no direct Russian equivalent.
During the flying display two J-15T were shown – one acting as a tanker – and one J-15D. The other PLAAF J-16 versions were seemingly neglected, even if a J-16D could be inspected in the static display, while the regular J-16 demonstrated its impressive agility in the flying display.

The J-16 is a well-known guest at the Zhuhai Airshow and this year an aircraft from the 99th Air Brigade was shown Chinese internet

Other Flankers... J-16 & J-16D, plus Russian originals​

At previous shows visitors were excited about the J-16 and J-16D – the two latest naval-variants are perhaps most capable members of China’s prolific Flanker family. This year they took a back seat, even if both versions of the PLAAF were present with a large array of both air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. Based on the legacy Su-30MKK and totally indigenised with an AESA radar and powered by Chinese WS-10B engines, the J-16 impressively showcased China’s advancements in avionics, materials and weaponry as well a departure from the once original Russian airframe.
The Russian Aerospace Forces Russian Knights demonstration team, with their original Russian Flankers, returned to Zhuhai after an eight-year hiatus. The team’s single Su-30SM and six Su-35S fighters flew an impressive 35-minute-long performance. The Su-35S – unlike its Chinese counterparts – is fitted with thrust-vectoring engines, raising the bar for manoeuvrability and formation aerobatics. It was not just a demonstration of the type’s agility and raw power but potentially more a political sign of underlining the historical collaboration between Russia and China in military aviation.

Sukhoi brought a Su-57 Felon to Zhuhai and Sergey Bogdan delivered an awesome flight display Chinese internet

Russia’s Su-57​

Remarkably, the Sukhoi Su-57 was also present, both on the ground for the public to see up close, as well as in the air, marking that type’s overseas debut. It sent a clear message about the close military co-operation between China and Russia, which was underlined by the visit of Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s former defence minister who was in China for annual strategic security consultations. Officially, the Su-57 and Su-57E were present for promotion of the type to future export customers. Indeed, according to the Russian news agency TASS, a first contract was signed at Zhuhai for the Su-57E to as yet undisclosed customers.
Sergey Bogdan, often touted as Russia’s best test pilot, left the crowd in awe at his Su-57 performance. It was a daily demonstration of “physics-defying agility” that included the famous Pugachev Cobra and the falling leaf manoeuvre.
While China demonstrated not just one but two fifth generation fighters, its J-35A and J-20 (more on the J-20 next month), Russia brought two Su-57s to Zhuhai, but the first was the 4th prototype, namely the T-50-4 ‘054 Blue’ and not a production aircraft, and the second numbered ‘057 blue’ was not even a real aircraft, but T-50-7, a static test airframe unable to fly which was ferried in via an An-124 Ruslan.
While it was great that spectators were able to take a look at the airframe, alongside some of the weapons designed for the aircraft, there was a lot of discussion on social media about “poor craftsmanship, mismatching panels and visible screw tops on the fuselage” inappropriate manufacturing quality for a 5th generation fighter, even if the so far secret side weapon bays of the Su-57 were shown open for the first time. Surely it represented an old early prototype and not the current production standard of serial Su-57s delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces.
It left a strange taste, even more so when comparing it to the manufacturing quality of the latest Chinese fighters when the intention is to convince customers. And finally, another aspect that calls into question Russia’s capabilities is the possible production capacity. Could Russia deliver Su-57s in sufficient numbers and if so, in what form? In recent years, the Russian Aerospace Forces has received no more than a dozen aircraft at best and the long-announced AL-51F engine is not yet ready. Even if everything can be explained, it raises some unanswered questions and leaves a rather tarnished impression of Russia’s former capabilities.
A minor side-product of the Russian participation was the presentation of the 177S Fifth Generation Engine. Not to be confused with the Saturn AL-51F (Izdele 30) engine for the Su-57M, this engine is a development by the United Engine Corporation to replace existing Su-27/30 series AL-31F engines by offering an increased overall performance like a maximum thrust of 145kN and improved reliability (6,000 hours service life) as well as reducing fuel consumption in all operating modes.

• Read part 2 of the Zhuhai Airshow report here

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[Fatman17]

ZHUHAI AIRSHOW - FULL OF SURPRISES PART 2​

1. Zhuhai airshow - full of surprises Part 2

By Andreas Rupprecht
18th January 2025
NEWS
Andreas Rupprecht continues his round-up of the impressive aerospace show in China – undoubtedly the best event when you consider all the new combat equipment – since the first show was held in 1996

Shown in the main pavilion was this model of the two-seater J-20S, which not only revealed its official designation but may also be a hint of a PLAAF interest. It could be used as an airborne command and control post capable of working unmanned aerial vehicles/unmanned combat air vehicles
All photos via Chinese internet
In the last issue we looked at the Chinese fighters on display and how quickly the PLA forces are advancing the technologies. Those advances become even clearer when one compares Russia’s most modern combat aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-57, with the Chengdu J-20 , China’s current high-end fighter.

J-20 outpacing Su-57 and maybe F-35 soon?​

The J-20 flew a good year after the Su-57 and even though both are conceptually very different, they represent the absolute spearhead of fighter aircraft capabilities for both industries and air forces. Now, after testing and introduction at the end of 2016, there are likely to have been 300 J-20s manufactured, and more than 280 operational in around ten frontline units. The J-20 is built at an annual production rate of about 100 aircraft and the improved J-20A is fitted with the definitive WS-15 engine currently being tested in at least five prototypes. Compare that with just two dozen or thereabouts of Russian Su-57s delivered.

A model representing the future Su-57E stood in the static display and is shown here during the visit of the Chinese delegation including the Central Military Committee’s vice-chairman
All of this is surprising, because while the J-20 was admired in 2016 at its first brief presentation just as the J-35A was seen this year, its appearance has now become normalised. This is certainly reinforced by the fact that their appearance in the aerial display was also rather tame, but China is more reserved in this regard.
At least four aircraft were shown in flight and perhaps the biggest surprise regarding the J-20 was the public presentation of a model of the two-seater J-20S together with a new improved long-range air-to-air missile, which is still undergoing testing. It is allegedly planned as an airborne command and control post with enhanced situation awareness via sensor fusion and is believed to be capable of controlling a formation of unmanned aerial vehicles or unmanned air combat vehicles like the GJ-11 UCAV and WZ-7 UAV that have been shown over several years.

More Chinese types​

In addition to the many surprises we witnessed, this year’s show offered many other interesting types.
A total of four Xian Y-20A transporters and YY-20A air-to-air tankers were present, impressively demonstrating the PLAAF’s growing strategic transport capacities; the PLAN Naval Aviation, making its first visit at Zhuhai, showed the KQ-200 anti-surface warfare variant, and although less spectacular, the Z-20J utility/transport naval helicopter was making its debut, confirming that it is in use.
The two aerial PLAAF demonstration teams – the ‘Ba Yi’ with Chengdu J-10CYs and ‘Red Falcon’ JL-8s – put on their displays, as did the dual-seat JL-10 as a modern jet trainer, helping to underline how Chinese aerospace now produces everything in-house, from simple trainers to high-end stealth fighters.
We also witnessed a huge H-6K bomber with hypersonic KD-21 ALBMs (air launched ballistic missiles) just as we did in 2022, while AVIC/CAC showed a J-10CE built specifically for export, with a variety of new weapons and an interesting option, to carry two medium-range air-to-air missiles (A AMs) on the fuselage. This J-10CE was supposedly the first J-10 not to be manufactured by CAC in Chengdu, allegedly being assembled by the Guizhou Aerospace Industries Corporation instead… leaving CAC to concentrate on the production of J-20s and the sixth-generation fighter.

Unmanned systems​

Every observer of unmanned systems knows that in recent years China has established itself as a real powerhouse in the world of drones. Not only has it had the number and diversity of drones in service with the PLAAF for years, but China is now far from ‘simply copying’ established concepts and designs. The range extends from large strategic drones for air surveillance and ISR, to combat drones of every size and performance, to countless smaller ones with loitering munitions that are revolutionising air warfare in the current Ukraine war, to new concepts for passenger and air freight transport in the civilian sector. Perhaps the biggest surprise – in the truest sense of the word – was a mothership UAV called ‘Jetank’ or ‘Jiutian’, meaning ‘High Sky’ (or ‘Ninth Sky’). The massive UAV stood alone, because of its dimensions. With a 16-ton maximum take-off weight and a wingspan of 25m (82ft), it is said to carry a payload of up to six tons of a variety of air-to-air and air-toground weaponry. While presented by AVIC, since it was designed by AVIC First Aircraft Design Institute it is allegedly built by the Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology Company. In terms of configuration it is roughly comparable in appearance to an unmanned, single-engined A-10A ‘Warthog’, with a tricycle landing gear arrangement, high-mounted main wing with minimal if any sweep and small winglets. It features an H-shaped tail and is powered by a single WS-9 as used by the JH-7A without reheat on top of its central fuselage. Sensor-wise, it relies on a radar and a prominent sensor dome featuring various electro-optical and infrared cameras. However, its most unique feature appears to be a quickly replaceable modular payload section designed to launch swarms of smaller uncrewed aerial vehicles and/or loitering monitions or even interchangeable from surveillance to strike roles. This is even demonstrated by that module’s slightly abstract name, ‘Isomerism Hive Module’. Maybe the translation to English is not entirely successful, but the term ‘hive’ is a clear hint towards its intended role of being able to carry and launch numerous smaller drones… like bees is a hive. Unfortunately, not much more about its current status was available.
Other smaller UCAVs on show of interest were the latest members of AVIC’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) Wing Loong (WL) family, which included the operational WL-10 aka WZ-10 for surveillance, looking like a smaller Global Hawk, and there was the Wing Loong X – most likely an evolution of the Wing Loong 3 – push-propellerdriven armed UAV/UCAV with an alleged weight of about six tonnes, similar to the US MQ-9 Reaper. The Wing Loong-X MALE-UAV was being shown with a plethora of payloads that included sonar buoy pods, torpedoes, air-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles thus demonstrating anti-submarine warfare capabilities for the first time. The UAV has apparently begun test flights and was designed to provide maritime security in large areas, with comprehensive search and attack on submarines, long-range patrols and anti-submarine operations. Slightly smaller, the Wing Loong-6 was shown as a multirole MALE drone developed to meet less demanding requirements combined with high cost-efficiency and an ease of maintenance.

Another first was not only the PLAN Naval Aviation’s first participation at any Zhuhai Airshow, but the unveiling of the Z-20J as the utility/transport version

Representing the growing market of unmanned transport vehicles, the Air White Whale company brought the first prototype of its huge W5000 cargo-drone to the show
Also on show was a number of UAV/ UCAVs marketed under the label of CASC Rainbow (named Cǎihóng, abbreviated as CH) – developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics. Besides the familiar smaller types like the CH-4 and CH-5, a mock-up of the CH-7 was shown and a promotional video showed for the first time the actual prototype during taxi-tests. The CH-7 is a large flying wing design with a very long wingspan and is aimed as a sensor-craft type UAV acting as a flying ISR or relay-station. Largely overseen and not yet fully understood was yet another member of the CH family, standing a little off to the side and anonymous without a name, but it was wearing low-visibility PLAAF markings. It was rumoured to be designated GJ-X. Externally similar to many other drones, like the CH-5, CJ-2 or Reaper, GJ-X is equipped with a SATCOM, a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) antenna and an electro-optical turret. It is powered by a domestic turboprop engine with a five-blade propeller and closely resembles the CASC CH-9 MALE/HALE UCAV.
The trend in drone development, especially in China, is to use these systems in a networked manner, co-ordinated as a swarm or in conjunction with other manned systems. This is part of the requirement for a sixth-generation fighter for example. As such it was no surprise that the Feihong FH-97A loyal-wingman was again shown. Under development by the Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation, the Feihong 97 was first unveiled to the public in 2021 at Zhuhai. Since then its design appears to have evolved dramatically both in size and capabilities, even if its current status is unknown. But it was shown as a full-size mock-up, in a carrier-capable configuration, too.
It remains to be seen how these and other types evolve within the next years and even more how the West and especially the US will react to this trend as China pushes on with its many drone initiatives. Large numbers of UAVs operating together in swarm or in a net-centric manner do not only present significant challenges for defenders but also opens up options, not yet known in aerial warfare.

Weapons​

For several years, Zhuhai Airshow has been increasing the visibility of its weapons and this year we saw the public unveiling of the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system that has been in service since 2018/19, often referred to as comparable to the US’s Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system.

The latest member of the growing family of AVIC’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group Wing Loong UAV/UCAVs, the Wing Loong-6 was shown as a new multirole MALE drone

Besides the J-20S and J-35A models, a new long-range AAM was unveiled featuring foldable wings, allegedly six of these new missiles can be carried inside the fighters’ weapons bays instead of just four regular PL-15s
A new long-range air-to-air missile, compatible for internal carriage on the J-20 and J-35 fighters was unveiled. Since the J-20 is currently capable to carry only four PL-15 AAMs in its weapon bay, this is quite a breakthrough. Six of these new missiles, expected to be designated the PL-16, with folding tailfins and slimmer main fins for compressed carriage could fit into the internal weapons bay. However, for unknown reasons it was labelled PL-15E, which is the export PL-15 acquired by Pakistan for J-10s. Regardless of its designation, the new AAM is said to offer the same range as the standard PL-15 (about 125 miles: 200km), expected to become the new standard long-range AAM for both stealth fighters in PLAAF service.
A third missile was a new export cruise missile designated CM-98 (also known as Eagle Strike-98) stealthy multi-purpose missile weapon system. The CM-98 missile seems to be a development or a refined variant of the KF-98A standoff submunition dispenser unveiled in 2022 and suspected of being available as an air launched cruise missile (ALCM). It features a stealthy body with a diamond-shape cross section plus two folded high wings and four tail control fins, it is said to be guided by a combined radar/IIR seeker for the terminal phase and INS/Beidou guidance during the initial and mid-stages and carries a 385kg warhead against various targets. Officially, the maximum range of the export CM-98 is limited to 298km, but a PLAAF version can allegedly achieve a maximum range of around 500-600km, comparable to the US AGM-158 JASSM or French/British Storm Shadow/SCALP.

But what was this?​

One interesting side event of the show was this 1:1 model of a futuristic fighter of the ‘sixth-generation’ in the exhibition area. While created by AVIC as a pure fantasy product known as the ‘White Emperor B’, it was misread by several Western agencies as a real concept for China’s future sixth-generation fighter jet.
There were sensational reports that “the type would be capable of flying at high-mach numbers in almost near-space altitudes, combining cutting-edge weaponry, artificial intelligence-supported sensors and a human-machine collaboration system in order to enhance pilot decision-making and optimise mission performance”.
But it was always just a fantasy.

White Emperor B … but what if...?

• Read Part 1 of the airshow report here

From: Key.Aero​