Russia at Airshow China 2024

The International Airshow China 2024 exhibition was held during the period from November 12 to November 17 on the territory of the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition Center in the city of Zhuhai, China. The Airshow China is one of the major events for civil and military aircraft manufacturers all over the world. Rosoboronexport organized the demonstration of Russia’s achievements in the field of military aviation and air defence at this one of the biggest airshows in the world.

A total of 890 companies from 47 countries and regions were participated in the Airshow China 2024. The exhibition topics included civil and military aircraft, aerodrome engineering, space technologies, ground equipment, rocket and aircraft engines, missiles and airborne weapons, navigation and flight control systems, and airport equipment.

‘Airshow China is one of the biggest events for civil and military aircraft manufacturers worldwide. It was held for the first time in 1996 and Russia took part in all the airshows. For Rosoboronexport Airshow China is a hallmark event. The Russian special exporter, established on November 4, 2000, began its exhibition activities in Zhuhai exactly,’ - said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport. – ‘The Russian exposition at Airshow China in 2024 organized by Rosoboronexport featured a wide range of weapons and military equipment on display. For the first time the 5th generation fighter Su-57E took part in the flying program abroad, state-of-the-art guided missiles and aerial bombs were presented, as well as advanced weaponry of the Ka-52E helicopter, the best reconnaissance and strike helicopter in its class.’

More than 20 of the country’s defence enterprises specializing in the development and production of military aircraft, helicopters, air-launched ordnance, air defence and antiballistic missile defence systems and assets, electronic warfare suites, engines and avionics representing the joint Russian exposition showed their products.

In the combat aviation segment airshow visitors could see on display the advanced multi-functional fighter Su-57E which took part in the flying program of the exhibition. The airshow included the maiden demonstration flights abroad by the 5th generation fighter Su-57E developed and made by PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (part of Rostec State Corporation).

Besides, the Russian Knights Group (‘Russkie Vityazi’), always welcomed very warmly by Chinese spectators, performed aerobatic maneuvers on the Su-35 type fighters.

The Su-57E also was on display on the static parking lot along with the state-of-the art air-launched ordnance developed and produced by the JSC Tactical Missiles Corporation. These may be included as part of the aircraft armament suites of the 4++ and 5 generation fighters, both Russian and foreign-made.

Among the novelties there were a multi-functional stealth missile of a new generation Kh-69 and an anti-radar missile Kh-59UShKE demonstrated abroad for the first time, guided missile ‘GROM-E1’ aerial bombs: smart bomb K08BE and guided glide bomb UPAB-1500B-E.

Rosoboronexport also showed in its booth the Ka-52E combat reconnaissance and strike helicopter. The company demonstrated the possibility of integrating into its weapons suite a tactical anti-ship missile Kh-35UE designed to defeat combat ships and transport vessels, as well as an aerial modular guided missile Kh-38MLE intended to destroy infrastructure facilities, hardened ground targets and water surface targets in the coastal zone exhibited out of Russia for the first time.

In the air defence segment Rosoboronexport presented the S-350E AD missile system ‘Vityaz’ made by the JSC Concern VKO ‘Almaz-Antey’ which showed a high capability of destroying a wide range of air targets, including when operating in the fully automatic mode.

At the Airshow China 2024 Rosoboronexport continued the promotion of a unique project related to forming units of airborne troops within the structure of the armed forces of foreign partners. Within the framework of this proposal the company presented a refuelling aircraft Il-78MK-90A capable of being converted into a military transport plane, an airborne fighting vehicle BMD-4M and a 125 mm self-propelled modernized anti-tank gun 2S25. The military hardware of the airborne troops may be air-dropped with a parachute on a pre-selected site.

Rosoboronexport was prepared to render assistance in the organization and staffing of airborne units, in building the necessary ground infrastructure, in outfitting with all types of weapons and equipment, in the training of personnel. Within the framework of the Airshow China 2024 business program Rosoboronexport held meetings and negotiations with the representatives of China’s People’s Liberation Army and delegations of countries friendly to Russia on the issues of cooperation and military and technical potential strengthening.

At the Airshow China 2024 international aerospace exhibition Rostec State Corporation demonstrated modern Russian aircraft systems. Visitors could see the Ka-52E armed reconnaissance helicopter, the Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft and other defence solutions.

The Su-57E fifth generation multifrole fighter became the ‘star’ of the Russian exposition. It is capable of using a wide range of guided high-precision weapons. The aircraft system has all properties of the fifth-generation aircraft. For example, low visibility for enemy’s detection systems. Airshow visitors could see the aircraft on the ground and in the air — the airplane showed aerobatic figures within the airshow flying program.

‘The Su-57 is now the world’s only fifth generation fighter that has proved effective in conditions of modern foreign air defence countermeasures such as Patriot, NASAMS and IRIS. The aircraft successfully fulfills battlefield missions and can use the latest weapons, including the X-69 low-observable cruise missiles. We demonstrated an export version of the Su-57E at the Airshow China. The aircraft also participated in the flying program — this was the first display of the SU-57E abroad. The aircraft has a high export potential and is of great interest in the expert community and among foreign customers,’ - said Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rosteс State Corporation.

Besides the Su-57E, airshow visitors could explore the Ka-52E armed reconnaissance helicopter. It is equipped with an electronic countermeasure system, signature control devices and active countermeasure systems. The helicopter can use guided weapons.

At the Airshow China 2024 Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies showed advanced aviation systems for modernization of existing airplanes and helicopters, including an electro-optical countermeasure laser station as part of the President-S helicopter and airplane defence suite that has been improved.

The electro-optical countermeasure laser station as part of the President-S helicopter and airplane defence suite is designed to protect aircraft against the attack of electro-optical guided airborne and ground-based weapons. Due to modernization of the suite, the list of enemy weapons suppressed by the system has been expanded significantly.

Moreover, exhibition visitors were able to explore an air data measurement system of the Ka-52 helicopter. The product is designed to determine a full set of helicopter flight data in all modes.

United Engine Corporation showcased the latest solutions for airplanes, helicopters and UAV at the Airshow China 2024. The world premiere of the 177S fifth generation engine took place in China. It is a high-performance engine that increases tactical aircraft flight range.

The latest 177S engine for tactical aircraft has improved performance. Reduced fuel consumption in all operation conditions makes it possible to cut the operating expenses. In addition, the engine provides increased power supply to the avionic systems of modern aircraft. The propulsion also increases their range.

UEC’s exposition also demonstrated full-size mockups of the AL-31FN Series 5 and SM-100 engines for the first time. They use technologies and materials typical of fifth generation engines.

The AL-31F/FN/FP family engines for multi-role fighters have received upgraded appearance — Series 5. The new AL-31FN engine version is designed especially for single engine aircraft and features increased reliability. The engine will expand the aircraft range and altitude potential. This is ensured by a takeoff thrust increased up to 14 000 kgf and fuel consumption reduced by 6%.

At the exhibition UEC showcased a full-size mockup of the new VK-1600V engine for medium helicopters and the TV7-117ST-01 turboprop for regional aircraft.

Visitors of the Airshow China international exhibition also were able to see solutions for the PD-35 high thrust technology engine demonstrator whose fan is more than three meters in size. Blades of the giant engine use cutting-edge technologies and materials and were shown at full scale.

A hybrid propulsion that uses two energy sources was showed at UEC’s stand. It has been created on the basis of a new VK-650V aircraft engine and combines a gas turbine engine and motor.

UEC’s exposition at the international exhibition included a total of eight exhibits demonstrated the Russian engine technology development.

Russian Helicopters holding showed the Ka-32A11VS utility helicopter at the Airshow China 2024. The rotorcraft is used for firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation and marine oil spill response. This type of aircraft is widely used by Chinese companies. Moreover, the helicopters may be updated to the Ka-32A11M level.

‘Russian helicopter industry offers competitive helicopters on international markets. In particular, our helicopters from the Mi-8/17, Ka-32 and Mi-26TS families are operated in China. The share of Russian products among twin-engine helicopters in the PRC exceeds 30%. The Ka-32A11VS utility helicopters, one of which was shown at the exhibition, are widely used for firefighting. Moreover, Russian Helicopters holding can upgrade the Ka-32A11VS to the Ka-32A11M at the operator’s request by providing new propulsion, auxiliary power unit and new avionics system,’ - said Rostec’s representatives.

The Ka-32 family helicopters have been operated in the PRC since 2009. The Ka-32A11VS features reliability, easy operation and maintenance that are traditional for Russian aircraft, as well as a lower cost per flying hour than that of its competitors. The firefighting version of the helicopter is equipped with 5t helibuckets and fire-extinguishing system. The horizontal fire-extinguishing system is used to fight fires in high rise buildings. Due to a coaxial configuration, the Ka-32A11VS also features high maneuverability.