BEIJING — Chinese aviation industry has made significant leaps over thepast five years, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China(AVIC), the country’s aviation giant.

China has seen a more complete aviation product pedigree with upgradedcapacities in developing new models and batch delivery, especially in thepast five years, said the AVIC in a recent press release.

FROM 3RD TO 4TH GENERATION

China’s latest J-20 stealth fighters have been commissioned into air forcecombat service, representing an important step in comprehensive combatcapabilities.

The J-20 is China’s fourth-generation medium and long-range fighter jet. Itmade its maiden flight in 2011 and was first shown to the public at the11th Airshow China in Zhuhai in Guangdong Province in November 2016.

The Y-20, China’s largest homegrown transport aircraft, joined the airforce in July 2016. The 200-tonne-level freighters play a critical role inChina toward developing its long-range delivery capabilities.

Moreover, the newly-commissioned H-6K bomber and new generation of KJ-500early warning aircraft contribute to the country’s combat capacity inprecise strike and information warfare.

FROM MANNED TO UNMANNED

In the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) sector, the Wing Loong UAS familyhave gained a reputation in the international military market with “bigorders” in hand, according to the AVIC.

Wing Loong represents the country’s achievements in developing high-endreconnaissance-strike UAS, with their general performances matching similarproducts worldwide.

The Wing Loong family is a high-end reconnaissance-strike drone seriesindependently developed by China.

The Wing Long I conducted its maiden flight in 2007, while the Wing LoongII successfully completed its maiden flight on Feb. 27 last year, showingthat China was capable of developing large-scale reconnaissance-strike UASaccording to international standards.

The enhanced comprehensive combat capacity of China’s unmanned aerialvehicles have lifted the long-time surveillance and combat capabilities ofthe military.

FROM AIR TO AIR-SEA-LAND

China’s home-developed helicopter series Z10, Z-19 and Z8 are available tothe military, enhancing combat capabilities in air-ground integration,long-distance maneuvering and special operations.

The J-15 carrier-based aircraft strongly supports the “Liaoning,” China’sfirst aircraft carrier, in developing blue sea operation power, the AVICclaimed.

Besides, the newly-delivered carrier-based rotor aviation equipment hasgreatly supported the naval air force.

In the international military market, China’s aviation products arebecoming more competitive with a more complete pedigree alongside thecountry’s independent development in the industry, according to the AVIC.

Last year, China saw multiple new models of its export-oriented aviationproducts, such as with the the maiden flights of the Wing-Loong II UAS, theJF-17B dual-seat fighter and Z-19E armed helicopter. – Xinhua