China helicopter expo opens in Tianjin, featuring military and civilian aircraft

The 6th China Helicopter Exposition opened in Tianjin on Thursday, the first helicopter expo in China in four years.

The biannual aviation expo is co-hosted by the Tianjin Municipal People's Government, the People's Liberation Army Ground Force, and Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), the country's leading aircraft supplier.

More than 350 participating enterprises from China and foreign countries, including Russia, France, the United States, and Canada, are expected to attend the four-day event.

AVIC, the largest exhibitor at this year's expo, has placed almost all of its helicopter and rotorcraft types on display, including military products such as the Z-10 and Z-19 combat helicopters and the Z-20 medium-lift utility helicopter. The company also unveiled some of its latest helicopters and drones, including the Z-11E light-weight attack helicopter and the AR500C unmanned electric helicopter.

Hao Zhaoping, general manager of AVIC, said the company will work with the PLA Ground Force and the Tianjin government to make the expo a platform for exchange and cooperation for helicopter-related enterprises, and to give aviation enthusiasts a chance to see the achievements of China's helicopter industry.