The Xian Y-20 transport, the largest military aircraft in current production, utilises various modern build techniques including 3D-printing.The Russian engines sound just like the Il-76, not surprisingly as they are same Soloviev D-30s as widely used on the Ilyushin. It is intended to replace them with Chinese ones in due course. First flying in 2013, at least 15 have been built so far. This was one of two Y-20s of the 4th Transport Division/12th Air Regiment based at Chengdu/Qionglai appearing at China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2018.

One of the "Red Falcons" making a low opposition pass

Unfortunately the sun refused to play on the day that I was inside the show, but there's no getting away from what a formidable sight China's huge new flying boat actually presents. Although it appeared at the last China Airshow in 2016, it hadn't yet flown at that time, having been built here at Zhuhai. The first flight did not take place till 24th December 2017 with the initial water-borne take-off and landing trials beginning as recently as 20th October 2018. Large sales are not expected although 17 are on order for the Chinese government. Export hopes rest mainly on firefighting capabilities.

One of the "1st August" aerobatic team's J10s swinging in to land after their show. The daily flying display was not very extensive but did also feature a performance by the other national team, the "Red Falcons" on JL-8s.

Three of the "1st August" Chengdus blasting off with the static park in the background, dominated by the AS600 flying boat.

The Xian H-6 bomber is obviously based on the ancient Tu-16 Badger but this latest H-6K is a heavily redesigned version capable of carrying air-launched cruise missiles. From the PLAAF's 8th Bomber Division/24th Air Regiment at Leiyang.

Departing after static display in the China Airshow. This stretched and updated version of the Y-8 (basically an An-12 copy) is operated by the PLAAF's 4th Transport Div/10th Air Regiment at Chengdu/Qionglai.

Early morning and not a single plane to be seen at Zhuhai on this day. Shot taken from B-HUG, operating CX252 from Heathrow, as we descend into HKG.