Air show spectacular draws in big crowds

(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-03-20 06:14

Thousands of people in Central China's Hunan Province enjoyed a spectacular air show over the weekend.

The Russian aerobatic team "Russian Knights" launched its show in Zhangjiajie on Friday, when a SU-27 fighter jet took to the skies.

It was quickly followed by four more jets, to perform various formations and techniques above the airfield for about 30 minutes.

About 40,000 aviation enthusiasts turned out to the airfield on Saturday, along with thousands of spectators at a nearby park, to watch more breathtaking routines, despite the slightly foggy weather.

Many locals also tried to get a glimpse of the aircraft from the roofs of their homes.

"Russian fighter jets are of advanced technology and of fantastic design," said He Limin, a local resident, who watched the jets with a telescope.

"It is the first time such a great show has come here."

The three-day air show, featuring the team from the Russian Air Force, offered displays by 10 Russian aircraft, including SU-27 fighter jets, a SU-30 fighter jet, an IL-78 refuelling tanker and a Yak-52 sport plane.

A mid-air re-fuelling was among the highlights of the event.

The 165-ton IL-78 is designed for in-flight refuelling of aircraft, and can carry a maximum fuel load of 76 tons. Three aircraft may refuel in flight simultaneously from a single IL-78.

The aerobatic performance in Zhangjiajie was in celebration of China's Year of Russia, which will include a wide range of cultural and economic exchanges between China and Russia throughout the year.

The Russian aerobatic team, founded in 1991, is the only one in the world to use heavyweight fighters such as the SU-27 and SU-30 in stunt flying performances.

(China Daily 03/20/2006 page3)