With a strange alpha-only registration, this is the latest development of the Y-12 series with wider fuselage, swept tail, new wings, retractable landing gear and more powerful engines. This demonstrator version has been named 'Aircar'. The type gained FAA certification in early 2016.

One of the eight "Red Falcons" about to land after their show

The Ansat is light, multipurpose helicopter manufactured by Kazan Helicopters, intended as a replacement for once widespread Mi-2, of which only a few remain in use. 50 are already operated by the Russian Air Force and an order for 20 for the China Association of Emergency Medicine was announced at this Zhuhai show.

Inside the main exhibition hall was this P-750XSTOL utility demonstrator. Previous exports from New Zealand to China have caused some controversy, with one reaching North Korea in breach of sanctions, leading to PAC being prosecuted.

The JF-17 is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China. Over 100 are reckoned to have been built for the Pakistan Air Force since 2003. Recent approval has even been given for licence production in Nigeria for the NAF, with several other countries also showing interest. Two JF-17s were at Zhuhai, one in static and one flying, twice on some days. This one has small "Fly Past 2018" titles on the fin.

Unfortunately no identity is carried or so far known for this demonstrator Y-5BG, a TPE-331 turboprop conversion of the Chinese-built version of the venerable An-2. Other improvements include adjustable slotted wings and a modified upper wing leading edge to reduce airflow stall and further enhance low-speed performance. The cockpit has also undergone a major update, including an IFR-standard Garmin Integrated Avionics System.

The new J-20 is China's stealth fifth-generation fighter. Led by 78232, this pair from the Flight Test & Training Brigade (FTTB)/172nd Brigade did not land at Zhuhai, probably operating from their Cangzhou/Cangxian base. The number of J-20s appearing each day varied between two and four, perhaps depending on serviceability.

Two of the eight "1st August" team J-10s during their Sunday performance. The team is named after the date of the founding of the PLA (1st August 1927), and is based at Yangcun airbase near Tianjin, a part of the PLAAF Beijing Military Region. They upgraded from the older J-7 to the J-10 in 2009.

The "Red Falcons" are put through their paces, perhaps a little inspired by the guest appearance of the Red Arrows at the last show in 2016.

The Xian Y-20 transport, the largest military aircraft in current production, utilises various modern build techniques including 3D-printing.The Russian engines sound just like the Il-76, not surprisingly as they are same Soloviev D-30s as widely used on the Ilyushin. It is intended to replace them with Chinese ones in due course. First flying in 2013, at least 15 have been built so far. This was one of two Y-20s of the 4th Transport Division/12th Air Regiment based at Chengdu/Qionglai appearing at China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition 2018.

One of the "Red Falcons" making a low opposition pass

Unfortunately the sun refused to play on the day that I was inside the show, but there's no getting away from what a formidable sight China's huge new flying boat actually presents. Although it appeared at the last China Airshow in 2016, it hadn't yet flown at that time, having been built here at Zhuhai. The first flight did not take place till 24th December 2017 with the initial water-borne take-off and landing trials beginning as recently as 20th October 2018. Large sales are not expected although 17 are on order for the Chinese government. Export hopes rest mainly on firefighting capabilities.

One of the "1st August" aerobatic team's J10s swinging in to land after their show. The daily flying display was not very extensive but did also feature a performance by the other national team, the "Red Falcons" on JL-8s.

Three of the "1st August" Chengdus blasting off with the static park in the background, dominated by the AS600 flying boat.

The Xian H-6 bomber is obviously based on the ancient Tu-16 Badger but this latest H-6K is a heavily redesigned version capable of carrying air-launched cruise missiles. From the PLAAF's 8th Bomber Division/24th Air Regiment at Leiyang.

Departing after static display in the China Airshow. This stretched and updated version of the Y-8 (basically an An-12 copy) is operated by the PLAAF's 4th Transport Div/10th Air Regiment at Chengdu/Qionglai.