Chinese marines showcase aerobatic displays by naval aviation forces at Airshow China 2024

Z-8C transport helicopters in aerial demonstration training at Airshow China Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Chinese naval aviation units conducted adaptive training at noon on Sunday ahead of Airshow China 2024, which will be held from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province. A military expert told the Global Times that the flight exercise was extremely realistic and challenging. demonstrating the advanced skills of naval pilots.

The helicopters and combat aircraft unveiled at this year’s Airshow China and participating in the adaptive training held on Sunday include the Z-20J ship helicopter, Z-8C transport helicopter and J-15 fighter jets.

The Navy conducted demonstrations of air assault operations with the Z-20J ship helicopter and Z-8C transport helicopter; These two types of helicopters transport marines and associated weapons and conduct coordinated air-ground assault exercises. According to information obtained by the Global Times from the PLA Navy Marine Corps, the training aimed to demonstrate a three-dimensional battle, rapid attack and direct attack process, and test the troops’ command organization, firepower and combat coordination skills.

According to the information obtained by Global Time, these two types of helicopters were showcased for the first time at Airshow China, and Chinese sailors also participated in the air show for the first time.

The Z-20J ship helicopter and Z-8C transport helicopter are equipped with new systems and have three different features. With the latest domestic engines, advanced production technologies and modern weapon systems, the two types of helicopters have fast attack, rapid response and flexible maneuverability, thus increasing operational mobility on the battlefield. According to the PLA Navy Marine Corps, their strong combat performance allows them to perform a variety of military missions, including fire attacks, battlefield transport and rescue operations.

Compared with the traditional Z-20 series, the Z-20J helicopter has a shorter longitudinal wheelbase, making it more suitable for various warships, capable of taking off and landing under complex and harsh conditions, and adapts well to different conditions at sea. .

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that the Z-20J is superior in both land fire support and sea strike carrying capabilities. Therefore, this training focuses on amphibious operations, transporting landing troops for combat missions. The Z-20J can use its equipped air-to-ground missiles, rockets and machine guns to hit and suppress “enemy” ground targets and fire positions, providing support and protection to landing forces to conduct air or aircraft landings or land landings.

The Z-8C transport helicopter is equipped on large surface ships such as amphibious assault ships and landing craft. It can transport Marines and their weapons and equipment to conduct vertical helicopter landings and special air operations at land-based airports.

According to Zhang, the cooperation between the Z-20J and Z-8C demonstrated in the training reveals the combat styles that these two helicopters will adopt in future amphibious assault operations, which will be more beneficial in increasing the landing success rate and attack effectiveness. against an enemy.

At Airshow China 2024, J-15 series fighter jets, consisting of J-15D, J-15T and other fighter jets, conducted flight exercises, including reverse landing and air-to-air refueling. Landing in the reverse zone and air-to-air refueling at sea are flight maneuvers with strong naval characteristics. These not only showcased the performance of various naval equipment, but also demonstrated the advanced technical and tactical skills of naval aviators.

According to Zhang, the reverse field landing maneuver is different from normal land landing procedures and actions. Some excellent land-based pilots may initially find it difficult to adapt when transitioning to carrier-based aviation. They need time to learn landing methods on aircraft carriers and develop the habit of landing in the opposite area.

The air refueling exercise involves refueling between the J-15D and J-15T. According to Zhang, unlike dedicated large refueling aircraft, J-15s can refuel quickly because they are familiar with the situation and high speeds, thus improving operational efficiency.

However, air refueling of two aircraft flying at sea is difficult and requires high precision. Stability and distance between two aircraft must be carefully maintained, especially in bad weather and sea conditions that make the operation more dangerous. This requires pilots to have excellent flying skills and strong mental toughness, Zhang said.