Down-to-earth tanks, missiles join air show
China's VT-5 export light tank and first fire-and-forget anti-tank Red Arrow-12 missiles are in place for display at Airshow Center Hall 8 for the Nov 1-6 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.
Caterpillar vehicles with air-defense
China South Industries Group Corporation (CSIGC) and China North Industries Group Corporation (CNIGC) will exhibit this high-profile weaponry in Hall 8 where interior decoration has just been completed. The hall accommodates armaments and equipment, taking up 80 percent of the space.
Among the most eye-catching exhibits is the newly developed VT-5 combat vehicle. Built by CNIGC, it is making its debut at the show. The vehicle is reportedly the world's only specially developed light tank. It portends advanced performance during tactical armored assaults and quick response.
VT-5 export light tank
Not only this, the upgrade from the VT-4 main battle tank is armed with a 105-mm Type 94 gun and equipped with an enlarged panoramic sight. It has a unique radar system capable of detecting oncoming enemy fire and deploying a decoy mechanism.
Also on display are a slew of missiles such as the laser-guided GP-155 that made its first appearance during the previous air show in 2014. The weapon is capable of highly precise strikes on tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and artillery.
Weapon demonstrations will include the classic PF-89 80-mm rocket launcher and the following tank-killer missiles: Red Arrow-12 infrared homing, Blue Arrow airborne, air-to-ground guided, and other anti-tank projectiles.
Blue Arrow missiles [Photos courtesy Zhujiang Evening Post]
Among the increased number of weaponry exhibits this year, CNIGC will showcase eight categories of high-tech systems: armored assault, effective fire strikes, air defense and anti-missile, precision strikes, special operations, guidance and control, surveillance and early warning, and comprehensive safeguards.
CSIGC will also display more than 70 military products, demonstrating cutting-edge technologies applied in anti-terrorism and rapid-response force, short-range defense, mobile troop operations, and aviation ordnance.