2024 Zhuhai Airshow main thread, Air Systems

[ACuriousPLAFan]

One H-6K has arrived at Zhuhai. Posted by the same guy on Weibo.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

It just arrived … but really? Still onyl a prototype? Showing no. 054 and not a production aircraft would be as if China would show a no. 201X prototype in 2024!

(via DS北风（风哥）/ @WenJian0922 on Twitter)

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Just in case anyone wonders the difference in background - The Su-57 (and an accompanying Il-76) are making a stopover at Taiyuan before proceeding to Zhuhai.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

More on the two Y-9s which landed at Zhuhai yesterday. Posted by the same guy on Weibo.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Will this J-35 for the PLAAF be heading for Zhuhai? Gotta wait and see. Posted by @恒苏Actline on Weibo.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Two more photos of J-16D and H-6 taxiing at Zhuhai after landing. Posted by @拓跋尊 on Weibo.

 

[Deino]

Interesting, the two J-16s are from the so far rarely seen 99th AB

 

[Deino]

... and the J-16D is from the 26th AB and confirmed a Batch 02 aircraft.

 

[siegecrossbow]

Su-57 is flying as well?

I know this is debate has been squashed already but what are the chances PLAAF takes a bite on the Su-57 and gets like 24? It will be mostly political reasons if that ever happens.

You have to keep in mind that when the Su-35 was inducted the J-16, let alone J-20, was ready for induction. If neither panned out PLAAF can’t just sit around doing nothing about it. The situation is very different now to say the least.

 

[Deino]

You have to keep in mind that when the Su-35 was inducted the J-16, let alone J-20, was ready for induction. If neither panned out PLAAF can’t just sit around doing nothing about it. The situation is very different now to say the least.

And even more we all know, the purchase was more a political support towards Russia than a true operational need, even if it was a chance to get an insight into Russia's latest Flanker variant and to gain experience in using a TVC engine in service.

Any such ideas, China could or even would again purchase a Russian fighter and be it only for trial or as an aggressor is plain ridiculous and a desperate attempt to create or keep the impression as if Russia and the Su-57 are still in the same league. This train has left the station since long and the fact that they are only showing a T-50 - in fact IMO pure embarrassment - and not even a real Su-57 or even the prototype with AL-51F makes it quite clear that Russia has finally lost touch.

 

[sutton999]

arrived