CHANGCHUN, July 27 -- The 2023 Air Force Aviation Opening Event & Changchun Airshow kicked off in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province on July 26. Military expert Wang Mingzhi elaborated on the three highlights of the opening event.
Highlight 1: YY-20 aerial refueling aircraft performs three types of tactical moves for the first time
YY-20, J-20 and J-16 aircraft perform aerial refueling at 2023 Air Force Aviation Opening Event & Changchun Airshow, on July 26, 2023. (Photo by Yan Linyun)
The YY-20 is a new-generation aerial refueling aircraft. It has participated in multiple aerial refueling training exercises with J-20, J-16, J-10C and other fighter jets, and enhanced the PLA Air Force's long-distance maneuverability.
According to Expert Wang Mingzhi, the biggest highlight of this year's Air Force Aviation Opening Event is the YY-20 performing three types of tactical moves, including passing with J-20 air escort taskforce, passing with J-20 and J-16 refueling taskforce, and single-plane moves such as short-distance takeoff, Afghan-style landing/lifting, large-slope serpentine maneuver, release of jamming shell, and fast landing.
Expert Wang said the combat formation comprised of multiple types of aircraft during the event is a commonly seen fighting stance in the PLA Air Force's routine training. These tactical moves are concentrated within a limited space and time to accommodate YY-20's real-combat performance and entertain the audiences, aiming to arouse the public confidence in the PLA Air Force.
Highlight 2: Flight performance has more real-combat value
PLA Bayi Aerobatic Team performs at 2023 Air Force Aviation Opening Event & Changchun Airshow, on July 26, 2023. (Photo by Yan Linyun)
The PLA Bayi Aerobatic Team made its public debut in China after being refitted with J-10C fighter jets. Several J-10C aircraft staged 20 difficult stunts within 20 minutes, which is of high real-combat value. The four-aircraft passing in wall formation, in which the aircraft must maintain consistent spacing (about 12m from each other) and speed (always in a straight line), is a challenging test to the four pilots' operating skills.
Four J-20 jets attached to an air force aviation brigade performed a series of tactical maneuver moves, such as four-aircraft in trail close formation, diamond formation circling and tactical crossing. Within a short span of 12 minutes, J-16 pilots also showcased highly difficult moves including ultra-low, slow-motion passing of two aircraft, and thrust-boosting circling of two aircraft.
According to Expert Wang, the performances fully demonstrated the overall enhancement of the PLA Air Force's combat capability and the impeccable flying skills of the pilots forged by long years of hard training.
Highlight 3: New pilot cadets welcomed with special air ritual
Pilot cadets onboard a Y-20 land at the airport of the Aviation University of the Air Force on July 19, 2023. (Photo by Yu Hongchun)
To attract more excellent students to join the PLA Air Force, the air force on July 19 once again assigned a Y-20 to transport the new pilot cadets to the Aviation University of the Air Force on July 19. This year marks the 10th Air Force Aviation Opening Event. In the past decade, the event has not only grown into a platform to showcase the air force's strength and confidence, but also come to be known as a special "orientation ceremony" for new pilot cadets year after year.
