Multiple types of equipment make a collective debut! Visit the 6th Tianjin International Helicopter Expo

The 6th China Tianjin International Helicopter Expo was held in the Tianjin Airport Economic Zone from September 14th to 17th, with a total exhibition area of approximately 160000 square meters. Many helicopters, drones, and other equipment were showcased for the first time at the China International Import Expo, and the 1100 kilowatt turboshaft engine also made its debut. At the same time, the Direct Expo also has an interactive experience area, attracting many visitors to stop and experience.

Various Army Equipment Collectively Appearing at the Direct Expo

At this year's CIIE, the Chinese Army arranged for a total of 79 equipment of 14 types to participate in the exhibition, and for the first time demonstrated wide body transport helicopters and integrated unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and strike.

The Army's "Wind and Thunder" Flying Performance Team's Z-20 helicopter vertically climbed and released a jamming bomb. Photo by Luan Cheng, a journalist from the People's Liberation Army Daily

In the flight performance segment, the Army's "Wind and Thunder" flight performance team piloted three types of helicopters, Z-10, Z-19, and Z-20, to perform stunt performances. They successively demonstrated the stunt flight movements of eight subjects, including three aircraft ballet, tail spiral, and four aircraft flowering, to the audience, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Army's aviation unit's transformation construction and practical training.

"Helicopters can still fly like this!" "The flying technology is so advanced!" Shocking shouts and applause echoed in the crowd.

Z-8L wide body transport helicopter. Photo by Luan Cheng, a journalist from the People's Liberation Army Daily

In the equipment static display area, multiple types of army equipment, including the Z-10, Z-19 armed helicopters, Z-20 tactical general-purpose helicopters, and Z-8L wide body transport helicopters, were stunningly displayed.

The first exhibiting Z-8L wide body transport helicopter is the star model of this year's Direct Expo, attracting many viewers to take photos as a souvenir.

According to on-site display materials, on the basis of the Z-8G, the Z-8L has been widened and has the ability to carry all terrain assault vehicles. It is suitable for use in various complex and harsh environments on plateaus or plains, and can perform tasks such as mobile transportation of troops, transportation of weapons, equipment, and materials, emergency rescue and disaster relief, and aerial speculation.

Z-8L wide body transport helicopter and 6x6 wheeled assault vehicle. Photo by Han Jie, a journalist from the People's Liberation Army Daily

There is also an interesting scene in the equipment static display area, where the tail of the Z-8L is accompanied by a 6x6 wheeled assault vehicle. It is reported that the vehicle is mainly used by infantry teams to carry out tasks such as material transportation, troop and firepower assault in non road harsh terrain conditions.

Multiple independently developed new technologies are eye-catching

At the aviation industry exhibition area, multiple new energy aircraft made their debut, showcasing the determination of China's aviation industry to accelerate technological innovation through innovative research products.

1100 kW turboshaft engine. Photo by Han Jie, a journalist from the People's Liberation Army Daily

In the exhibition area, the 1100 kilowatt turboshaft engine caught the reporter's eye. The staff responsible for this product introduced that this type of engine can work stably in harsh environments such as sand and dust, has strong environmental adaptability, long service life, and can meet the power requirements of 5-6 ton general-purpose helicopters.

The reporter observed that the turboshaft 16 engine and AES100 turboshaft engine made another appearance, with megawatt hydrogen fuel turboshaft engine and light power AES20 turboshaft engine displayed one after another, which was overwhelming.

From high-power to small and medium-sized, from manned aerial vehicles to unmanned aerial vehicles, from traditional fuels to hybrid hydrogen energy, China's independent research and development achievements in helicopter power have been comprehensively and stereoscopically demonstrated.

At this year's CIIE, a research institute in Beijing showcased a new type of power device with independent intellectual property rights, which can provide high-quality power options for small fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles, mid to high altitude rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. The person in charge of the institute introduced that various piston engines were launched with the aim of completely replacing imported products, as similar domestic products were previously monopolized by foreign companies.

Helicopter simulation system attracts viewers to stop and experience

Unlike previous direct exhibitions, the 6th Tianjin Direct Expo has a more diverse exhibition format, with a large integration of technological elements such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and human-computer interaction, allowing exhibitors to experience it firsthand.

Audience experience helicopter simulation training system. Photo by Luan Cheng, a journalist from the People's Liberation Army Daily

The exhibition area of the Army's "Helicopter Simulation Training System" is crowded with people, and there are many testers. The person in charge of the experience area, Gao Zhipeng, said that since the exhibition of the simulation training system, it has been welcomed by aviation fans, and the audience waiting for the experience always forms a long queue of 40 to 50 meters.

Holding the joystick, staring at the screen, adjusting the angle, the experiencer feels like soaring in the blue sky with a helicopter. "There is a bit of dizziness, the experience is very realistic and exciting!" A first year student from Tianjin Yaohua Middle School reluctantly walked down from the simulation cabin.

"The simulation system mainly consists of two portable simulation cabins and a situational large screen. It can be used for single or multi aircraft pilot training, as well as multi aircraft tactical collaborative training. It can simulate the entire process of helicopter operation procedures, takeoff and landing, ground attacks, and other multi tasks under complex terrain and meteorological conditions." Gao Zhipeng introduced to reporters.

The army booth was crowded with people. Photo by Luan Cheng, a journalist from the People's Liberation Army Daily

In addition, the China International Import and Export Fair has also established a "Helicopter Combat Simulation Platform System Demonstration" experience area. In this area, exhibiting visitors can experience simulating driving armed helicopters and carrying out tasks with teammates. According to the on-site person in charge, this helicopter combat level simulation platform system can achieve combat simulation training for multiple personnel and weapon equipment systems.