The author of the online publication Diplomat called the Zhuhai-2018 air show the most impressive in recent years. Those present were especially impressed by the demonstration of the J-20 ignorant, the first demonstration of a fighter with thrust vector control and a large number of modern radar systems and drones.

J-10B with UVT

The J-10B prototype was launched at the end of last year. It is equipped with a WS-10 engine with a UHT nozzle. The 1034 board showed many aerobatics: a turn to 180 degrees, figures resembling the Pugachev Cobra, a falling leaf.

In the future, the subsequent development of UHT will be the basis for the development of new fighters without tail and additional steering surfaces. To improve maneuverability, the steering wheel body may be increased.

J-20

J-20 invisibles performed incredible climbs and sharp turns. But some onlookers decided that the J-10B's UHT flights had surpassed the J-20's capabilities. But, given the fact that the J-10B is equipped with a UVT and a power plant that corresponds to its weight category (while the J-20 is equipped with engines of lower power - AL-31). In any case, the spectacular video and photo footage from the J-20 demonstration undoubtedly overshadows previous recordings. Experts noted that this aircraft is an excellent attack aircraft or interceptor.

On the last day of the air show, the J-20 demonstrated weapon compartments and a full load, including air-to-air training missiles, PL-2 (short range) missiles and PL-10 (long-range missiles that exceed direct visibility).

CH-7 and other flying wing drones

At the Zhuhai-2018 air show, China's leading aerospace teams demonstrated their latest developments in the flying wing.

The most promising experts believe the CH-7 from CASC, which announced its first flight on 2019 year. As for the production, it will only begin in the 2022 year. Whether the CH-7 will be equipped with a PLA sight is not yet known.

UAVs were shown by many other institutions, but they are all smaller compared to CH-7. "CASIC" demonstrated the 3-ton flying wing "Tianying". Chengdu also demonstrated a double-swept flying stealth wing. According to experts, both flying wings (from Chengdu and "CASIC") are trial models, and an intermediate link between the transition to more advanced and larger structures.

In any case, the emergence of three UAVs from the largest aerospace institutes of China (in addition to the Lijian UAV, which was demonstrated last summer) indicates a rapid development in this direction.