Zhuhai Airshow 2024

A super unique perspective on the Zhuhai Airshow.
Jilin-1 Satellites. A space view of the Zhuhai Airshow. via Weibo@长光卫星
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China military displays upgraded Z-20 helicopter at Zhuhai air show​

By Greg Torode
November 12, 20242:00 PM GMT+8

Airshow China in Zhuhai

Item 1 of 2 People stand near a Z-20 helicopter displayed at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China, in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China November 12, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

HONG KONG, Nov 12 (Reuters) - With sleek looks mirroring the U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk, the Chinese military's advanced Z-20 helicopter packs a punch but may make its biggest impact at sea, analysts said as it was displayed at China's biggest air show in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

The Z-20's potential at sea to plug gaps in the Chinese navy's ability to protect itself from submarines is attracting scrutiny from regional defence attaches and security scholars charting its evolution after a decade of development.

State media recently highlighted the first armed assault version of the helicopter, and on Tuesday the military showcased the Z-20J armed naval variant - a key step towards a full-blown anti-submarine platform, the Z-20F.

Although China is fielding ever-more advanced warships as part of its long-term military modernisation, it struggles to shield them, including its emerging aircraft carrier fleet, from undersea attacks - a capability already finely honed by many of its rivals.

Pentagon reports and Western analysts have long noted that weaknesses in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) anti-submarine capabilities could hurt longer-range naval deployments in a conflict.

The Pentagon's latest public report on China's military modernisation, released in October 2023, noted a naval version of the Z-20 was under development.

"The Z-20F is similar to the U.S. Navy's SH-60 and will provide significant improvements in ASW (anti-submarine warfare) capabilities over the smaller... helicopters the PLAN currently operates," the Pentagon report said.

Singapore-based security scholar Collin Koh said the navy's Z-8 and Z-9 helicopters were too heavy and too light, respectively, limiting the kind of ships they can operate from, their range and payloads of sensors and weapons.

They are also based on 1980s European designs obtained before defence technology sanctions took effect against Beijing after the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.

"The Z-20 is therefore the answer," said Koh, of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

He said he expected the Z-20 to soon become the standard naval and anti-submarine helicopter, given its ability to land on ships ranging from corvettes and destroyers to aircraft carriers.

The Taiwan navy's academic publication, Navy Professional Journal, in December 2022 published a lengthy piece on the development of China's anti-submarine helicopters, noting some of the Z-20F's capabilities exceeded that of the U.S. MH-60R, made by Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab.

"The entry into service of the Z-20F will effectively extend the operational distance for antisubmarine combat for destroyers and corvettes," it said, adding it would be double the range of the existing fleet.

Modern anti-submarine tactics involved helicopters operating far from their host ships, hunting and tracking enemy vessels with various sensors, coordinating with ships and other aircraft. Most also carry lightweight weapons, such as depth charges and torpedoes, but generally other platforms are used to attack submarines.

Tuesday's display followed state media reports in May that Z-20 now had an assault capability and said anti-submarine versions were being developed. No date was given.
In its latest annual assessment of international military deployments, the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies notes that China has so far fielded 15 Z-20 helicopters for search and rescue work.

 

The Z-20 Helicopter: China's Game-Changer in Maritime Warfare

China's Z-20 helicopter, resembling the U.S. Black Hawk, is poised to enhance naval operations, notably in anti-submarine warfare. Unveiled at Zhuhai Air Show, its advanced capabilities could bridge gaps in submarine defense, vital for the Chinese navy amid ongoing military modernization challenges.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 12-11-2024 11:31 IST | Created: 12-11-2024 11:31 IST


At China's largest air show in Zhuhai, the Z-20 helicopter, resembling the U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk, made an impactful debut. Analysts believe this advanced helicopter could significantly enhance China's maritime strength, particularly in anti-submarine warfare, garnering attention from regional defense experts.

The Z-20's naval variant, the Z-20J, represents a key development in the Chinese navy's efforts to improve submarine defense. As China continues its military modernization, addressing gaps in anti-submarine capabilities is critical. Reports from the Pentagon and global analysts highlight these challenges, emphasizing the potential role of the Z-20F in extending naval operations capabilities.

Scholars have cited the limitations of older naval helicopters like the Z-8 and Z-9, prompting the emergence of the Z-20 as the future standard for anti-submarine operations. The introduction of this advanced helicopter promises to double the operational range for naval combat, enhancing the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategic reach.

 

Comac secures first C929 widebody jet order from Air China

Reuters
-12 Nov 2024, 01:25 PM

The 12,000km range positions the China-made plane in the same league as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
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Comac’s C929, a widebody aircraft in development, targets competition with Airbus and Boeing’s twin-aisle models. (Wiki pic)

ZHUHAI: Comac said on Tuesday that Air China was the first customer for the Chinese planemaker’s C929 widebody aircraft under development that is designed to compete with twin-aisle models from Airbus and Boeing.

Comac’s deputy director of marketing, Liu Yan, made the announcement at China’s biggest air show in Zhuhai.

Liu did not disclose the number of aircraft that Beijing-based Air China would purchase or planned delivery dates.

The aircraft maker also announced that Hainan Airlines had placed a firm order for 60 C919 narrowbody and 40 C909 regional jets. Colourful Guizhou Airlines signed a purchase agreement for 30 C909 planes, it added, 20 of which are firm and the remainder provisional.

Comac has said the C929 will have 280 to 400 seats and a range of 12,000km, which is in the same category as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

The C929 was renamed in 2023 from the CR929 after Russia left a China-Russia joint venture developing the aircraft.

A report in April from the C929’s fuselage manufacturer said it aimed to deliver the first fuselage section by September 2027.

Comac deputy general manager Tong Yu in May told a group of Hong Kong reporters in Shanghai that a C929 prototype will be seen in the near future and estimated the jet could “soon” take a test flight, according to Hong Kong newspaper Tai Kong Pao.


 
Swarm drone mothership

正在地面静态展示的中国的“飞鸿-97A”(FH-97A)攻击无人机母机,该型机可至少携载12 架无人攻击机进行作战打击任务。同时,FH-97A还能携带8枚空对空导弹,执行空战任务。
FH-97A 设计作战用途:用于在空战中摧毁大中型无人机、飞机,包括电战飞机、无人驾驶飞行器和战略轰炸机。

China's "Phenom-97A" (FH-97A) attack drone mother aircraft is on static display on the ground. This aircraft can carry at least 12 unmanned attack aircraft for combat strike missions. At the same time, the FH-97A can also carry 8 air-to-air missiles to perform air combat missions.

The FH-97A is designed for combat use: used to destroy large and medium-sized drones and aircraft in air combat, including electronic warfare aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and strategic bombers.
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On the morning of November 12th, at the Zhuhai Air Show, Iranian Air Force Commander Wahedi boarded the J-10CE and toured the plane carefully. He first entered the cockpit for an experience, and then toured the plane with his entourage:

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