By Zhao Yingyan
TIANJIN, Sep. 12 – The 6th China Helicopter Exposition will be held in the Industry Base of the AVIC Helicopter, Tianjin, from September 14 to 17. During the four days, the first two will be professional days, and the rest two will be open to the public.
China Helicopter Exposition, as the only national-level dedicated international helicopter exposition, has become the second largest helicopter exposition in the world, and the only helicopter exposition coming with professional airshows. This year’s exposition is co-hosted by the Tianjin Municipal People's Government, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army. The latest technologies, products, achievements and solutions in the global helicopter sector will be displayed intensively at the exposition.
There have been more than 350 firms registered to participate in the event, including over 40 domestic and international companies coming for the first time. Almost all the major helicopter engine factories and supporting companies around the world are present, including Airbus, Russian Helicopters, AECC, SAFRAN, Collins, etc.
There will be 65 helicopters and drones in total participating in the exposition and airshow, including 49 helicopters, 13 large drones, three multi-rotor vertical take-off and landing aircraft, among which are mainly Chinese PLA Army’s Z-20, Z-10 and Z-19 armed helicopters, and Z-8 wide-body transport helicopter, as well as global mainstream helicopters such as AVIC AC311A, AC312E, AC332 and AC352 helicopters, Leonardo AW189 service helicopter, Airbus H135, Bell B505, and SikorskyS76.
Nearly 50 large items will also be on display, including engines, flight simulators, airborne and avionics devices, and special purpose vehicles and equipment from domestic and international well-known companies. Some of them will make their debuts, such as AC332, Z-11E and AW189 helicopters, AR-500 UAV, Chinese PLA Army KVD multi-purpose UAV, vertical take-off and landing UAV, AVICWZ16 Turboshaft engine, and hydrogen fuel engine.
Airshow remains the highlight. At this event, 26 helicopters led by the Chinese PLA Army will present six airshows, to demonstrate the superb performance of the helicopters and the excellent handling skills of the pilots.
China Helicopter Exposition has been held five sessions since 2011.