The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) recently hosted its annual Open House event at Changchun Air Base in Jilin Province, offering an opportunity for domestic audiences to witness frontline combat aircraft, aerobatic teams, and training platforms up close. Unlike the internationally oriented Zhuhai Airshow, this open house event is exclusively for Chinese citizens and serves to enhance public understanding of the air force’s modernization, operational capabilities, and recruitment efforts.

At the 2022 Changchun Airshow, the J-20, China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, made its return appearance. As a key air superiority and long-range strike platform for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the J-20 continues to represent China’s advancements in military aviation. This airshow further showcased the J-20’s capabilities, enhancing its image on the global stage.

The J-20 is equipped with advanced stealth design, cutting-edge avionics, and high-performance engines, granting it both long-range strike and air superiority capabilities. Its unique delta-wing and canard layout provide exceptional maneuverability and supersonic cruise ability while maintaining low radar observability.

The J-20 displayed at Changchun is still powered by the Russian-made AL-31F engine, marking the final public appearance of this engine. The aircraft is transitioning to the WS-10C, China’s domestic engine. The WS-10C will improve the J-20’s thrust-to-weight ratio, maneuverability, and overall performance, marking a key step in China’s progress in developing its own fifth-generation aircraft engines. The shift to the WS-10C represents China’s growing self-reliance in aerospace technology.

Alongside the J-20, the J-16, dubbed the “strongest Flanker,” delivered an impressive aerial performance at the 2022 Changchun Airshow, showcasing exceptional maneuverability and advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

As an evolution of the J-11, the J-16 features numerous modern upgrades, including advanced radar systems, sophisticated electronic countermeasures, and an expanded array of precision-guided munitions. These enhancements enable it to conduct a wide range of missions, from air superiority to precision ground strikes. During the airshow, the J-16 demonstrated superb aerodynamic performance, excelling in high-speed flight and complex tactical maneuvers, capturing the audience’s full attention.

With its powerful multi-role versatility, the J-16 has become a cornerstone of China’s combat air fleet. Its agility, advanced systems, and combat flexibility provide the Chinese Air Force with a decisive operational advantage.

The J-11BS is a twin-seat, multi-role fighter trainer developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is based on the J-11 fighter, which itself is a domestically produced variant of the Russian Su-27 Flanker. Beyond advanced pilot training, the J-11BS is fully combat-capable and capable of performing various operational missions.

At the 2022 Changchun Airshow, the J-11BS delivered a superb flight demonstration, showcasing its excellent aerodynamic handling and impressive maneuverability. Although designed primarily as a trainer, it is equipped with radar systems and multiple weapon hardpoints, enabling it to perform air defense, escort, and limited ground-attack missions when required.

Another highlight of the show was the Z-10K attack helicopter. Independently developed by China and manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Z-10K is a modern attack helicopter based on the original Z-10, specifically adapted to meet the operational needs of the Chinese Air Force. It primarily undertakes armed escort, anti-armor, and close air support missions.

At the 2022 Changchun Airshow, a formation of Z-10Ks carried out flight demonstrations including low-altitude penetration, fire suppression, and simulated strike missions. The display highlighted the helicopter’s excellent low-altitude maneuverability and advanced fire control systems. Armed with a 30mm cannon, air-to-ground missiles, and rocket pods, the Z-10K is capable of conducting effective combat operations in all weather conditions.

Also making its appearance was the JL-10, an advanced trainer aircraft developed by AVIC Hongdu. It serves as a crucial platform for pilots transitioning from basic trainers to third- and fourth-generation fighters. The JL-10 features supersonic speed, high-angle-of-attack maneuverability, and sophisticated avionics, greatly shortening the conversion training period for pilots.

At the 2022 Changchun Airshow, the JL-10 performed a series of impressive maneuvers, including high- and low-speed passes, low-speed high-angle-of-attack flight, and flare release demonstrations. These displays highlighted the aircraft’s excellent aerodynamic capabilities and responsive flight controls, delivering a visually stunning performance for the audience.

In the static display section, the J-11B was exhibited. The J-11B is a multi-role fighter developed by China, based on the Russian Su-27 Flanker-B platform. It incorporates domestic technologies, including upgrades to radar, avionics, and weaponry. The J-11B retains the strong maneuverability and supersonic flight capabilities of the Su-27 series, and improvements have been made to enhance its electronic warfare and air-to-ground strike capabilities. It can perform a variety of missions, including air superiority, ground strike, and anti-ship operations. The J-11B is equipped with domestic phased-array radar and precision-guided weapons, making it one of the Chinese Air Force’s primary fighters.

Although its radar technology is relatively basic, the Chinese Air Force is gradually upgrading it to the J-11BG, which is expected to further improve radar performance. During the exhibition, the J-11B was equipped with two PL-12 medium-range air-to-air missiles and two PL-8 short-range air-to-air training missiles, showcasing its typical combat configuration.

Also on static display was the JH-7, codenamed “Flying Leopard.” It is a twin-seat, twin-engine fighter-bomber primarily used for ground and anti-ship strike missions. The aircraft has strong multi-role capabilities and an extended operational range. It can carry a variety of ground attack weapons, effectively targeting both ground and sea-based targets. As one of the primary attack platforms for both the Chinese Air Force and Navy, the JH-7 is widely used for anti-ship and ground strike missions. During the exhibition, the JH-7 was equipped with the KD-88 missile, demonstrating its powerful strike capabilities.

Among the large transport platforms, the Y-20 was also on static display. The Y-20 is a large transport aircraft developed by China, widely used for transporting personnel, supplies, and equipment. As a key component of the Chinese Air Force’s strategic airlift capabilities, the Y-20 is capable of long-range transport and heavy cargo deployment, providing crucial air support for rapid reaction forces. Its impressive payload capacity makes it a core asset for the Chinese Air Force in high-intensity operations.

Also featured were the Y-8 and Y-9 medium-sized transport aircraft, which serve the Chinese Air Force primarily for transporting supplies, personnel, and military support. Their high efficiency and reliability make them essential assets in various operational environments. The Y-9, an upgraded version of the Y-8, offers improved maneuverability and higher payload capacity, excelling in emergency resupply and theater-level cargo deployment.

Some other examples of the show visitors that offered rare photo opportunities are demonstrated beneath, as we look forward to the next Changchun Open House.