The plane I missed at the Zhu Hai Air Show was the Chinese stealth fighter J-20. Two J-20s did a low level pass on the opening day. There were constant rumors as they would return on other days. During my visit, one of the VIP B-737-400 belonging to the Chinese Air Force VIP Transport Division (The 34th Division) landed at ZUH. This triggered a lot of hope among the spotters on the roof that to entertain the VIP to the show, the J-20 might return. But it never materialized.
Before the 9:30 start of the acrobatic performances, the Chinese built ARJ-21 taxied from its static display stand and took off from ZUH 05. After the morning acrobatic performances, the newly deployed Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport taxied out from its static display stand and took off from 05, too. I don't think these were considered part of the aerial demonstration. But taking two planes out of the show half way through was a bit strange. Question aside, I do appreciate the opportunity to shoot the take off of both planes.
The YF-17 of the Pakistani Air Force started that day's acrobatic performance, flown by Pakistani pilot. Unlike all other take offs, it took off from ZUH 23, and did a high angle of attack take off applying full after burner. But as a single plane demonstration, it couldn't be impressive as any of the acrobatic teams after it. It just served the purpose of warm up the crowd.
ARJ-21 taxi out. Note the "Soar with ARJ21" ad on the left wall of the exhibition hall.
Another shot of the ARJ21 as it taxied pass the Y-20.
YF-17 take off and performance
YF-17 with drag chute.
B-4021 arriving at ZUH
Y-20 taxi out
Y-20 take off
That's it, here are all the photos I took at Zhu Hai Air Show. I hope you enjoyed them.
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