AVIC shocked spectators as the state-owned defense contractor declassified specific details regarding the J-31. (Photo : Global Times)
Wednesday’s Aviation Expo in Beijing presented various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), including the Wing Loong I, a medium altitude long endurance UAV, which was on display last Sept. 3 during the military parade in Tiananmen Square.
According to a report by the Global Times, 30 companies involved in developing UAV systems took part in the event, including state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the Nanjing Research Institute on Simulation Technique (NRIST) under the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army.
It was a venue for AVIC to showcase its Wing Loong I with a model exhibition and the latter's more advanced version through the distribution of brochures.
The Wing Loong II was designed to perform surveillance missions and ground attacks, with a maximum speed of up to 370 kilometers per hour and a maximum flight altitude of 9,000 meters. Due to its unique wingtip specification along its 20.5-meter wingspan, it is fully capable of efficient flight maneuvers and it can also carry 12 missiles.
Not to be outdone, the NRSIT impressed audiences with several advanced drones, including its S-200J high-subsonic speed target drone compatible with air and naval tactics.
Other companies also exhibited hand-launched drones. The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation showcased its HW-120A drone, which weighs less than 6 kilograms and can operate for up to a full hour.
Overall, more than 140 exhibitors from 16 countries participated in the Aviation Expo which will culminate on Saturday.
The exhibition was even attended by some of the biggest plane companies such as Airbus and Boeing. Both companies entertained crowds with their exhibitions of the A380 and B777-9.
