Nick Jennings

Not a classic RIAT show day, rain in the morning and overcast for most of the day. I went down the 09 runway end, hoping to get some taxi shots of the U-2S, however it landed at the opposite end from which it took off!

In a real blink and you'd miss it moment, the Shenyang J-35A made a single high speed pass before shooting off into the clouds. I'm not going to get into the issues surrounding the J-35 development and the rumoured espionage.

Now I'm back from RIAT, it's back to the Zhuhai show. Here's another shot of the Chengdu J-20 Weilong, without all of the vapour. It's designed to carry a large amount of fuel and 4 x PL-15 long range missiles internally.

The lesser spotted bearded Eurofighter! Another damp day at RIAT, which meant plenty of vapour. This high speed pass by the Spanish Air Force Eurofighter, being today's highlight.

This was by far the highlight of the first RIAT show day! I'd been after this photo for a long time, I almost had it before, but was in slightly the wrong place, made no mistake this time! 🔥🔥🔥

Not a classic arrivals day at RIAT today, weather was mixed and most of the highlights arrived yesterday. However, I've always been a big fan of the Puma family and it was great to see this Airbus Helicopters H225M of the Hungarian Air Force.

Lots of great arrivals at RIAT today, but my personal highlight was the ultra rare Egyptian Air Force Antonov An-74T 'Coaler'!

My last shot from Zhuhai for this week, as I'm off to RIAT tomorrow! This is a PLAAF Shenyang J-16 Qianlong, sadly it was quite a poor display compared to some of the other participants.

The Changhe Z-10 is the primary attack helicopter for the Chinese Army, this particular example hasn't yet been equipped with the latest upgrades.

The Chinese Army also had one of their versions of the Harbin Z-20 on display at the Zhuhai show.

Developed from the French Super Frelon, the Changhe Z-8C is used as an assault transport helicopter by the Chinese Navy (PLAN), able to carry both underslung loads and a complement of Marines.

Apologies if you don't like helicopters, as you may not like my next few posts! The Zhuhai 2024 show marked the public debut of the Harbin Z-20J. Much like the American MH-60S, this fills the naval utility transport role, rather than the ASW role.

A pair of Hongdu JL-8s of the Hongying (Red Eagles) Aerobatic Team departing Zhuhai for their display.

A closer shot of the naval Shenyang J-15T Feisha, with the flying shark logo on the tail. Seen here, performing a missed approach in front of the crowds at the Zhuhai show.

A trio of Chinese Navy (PLAN) J-15 Feishas. The centre aircraft is the electronic warfare J-15D and it's flanked by a pair of J-15T fighters, one of which is equipped with a 'buddy' refueling pod.

The Chengdu J-20 Weilong - NATO reporting name 'Fagin'. Conservative estimates suggest that the PLAAF have more than 200 of these in service, maybe closer to 300.

A Xi'an YY-20A climbing out of Zhuhai Airport ahead of its display slot.

Back to the Zhuhai Airshow photos! Here's a shot of a Shenyang J-16 Qianlong. The weather wasn't great on our first day, it was overcast most of the day, making photography difficult.

Another splendid day at Old Warden for the Festival of Flight airshow. Today was one of those rare Shuttleworth events where you get to see all of the antique Edwardian aircraft fly, including this original 1910 Deperdussin Monoplane.

Just back from a cracking day at Shuttleworth. Right at the end of the show, as the wind dropped and the sun was setting, those gathered were fortunate to see the airshow debut of the replica De Havilland DH.71 Tiger Moth. What a sight!