China shows off new air power

China has unveiled sophisticated new aircraft at its top air show in Zhuhai, with an eye on disputed territories from Taiwan to the South China Sea and its growing rivalry with the United States


CH-6: Long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of reconnaissance and
strike operations

Undernose electro-optical/ infrared sensor turret

Weapons: Laser-guided bombs or missiles, total weight 450kg

Wingspan: 20m
Length: 16m 
Max speed: 700km/h 
Max altitude: 15,000m 
Endurance: 20 hours

Turbofan engines


WZ-7 Xianglong (Soaring Dragon): High-altitude surveillance drone for border reconnaissance missions and maritime patrols. Comparable to U.S.-made RQ-4 Global Hawk

Guizhou WP-13 turbojet engine

Wingspan: 24m
Length: 14m
Max speed: 750km/h
Max altitude: 18,000m
Endurance: 10 hours
Range: 7,000km


J-16D: Electronic attack version of multirole combat J-16 fighter

*Speed: Mach 2
Altitude: 17,300m
Combat radius: 1,500km 

Jamming pods: Can disrupt enemy electronic equipment. Comparable to U.S.-made EA-18G Growler

Crew: 2

*Specifications based on J-16


Sources: Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Global Times, Janes, Global Security
© GRAPHIC NEWS