Spot light: China’s Civilian Tiltrotor Ambitions

China, alongside only a select few nations, is actively investing in civilian tiltrotor aircraft programs—both manned and unmanned. This dual-track approach reflects a growing interest in versatile, high-speed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) platforms for regional transport.

Currently, two known civilian tiltrotor prototypes are undergoing testing, each designed to accommodate between 6 to 10 passengers. Given the vast distances between Chinese provinces - especially remote and geographically challenging areas like Tibet, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea - developing aircraft capable of VTOL operations makes strategic sense. These regions often lack conventional infrastructure, making tiltrotors an attractive solution for rapid, point-to-point connectivity.

 

Unmanned UATARI UR6000

In the unmanned segment, there is the UATAIR UR6000. First unveiled in Singapore in February 2024, this civilian tiltrotor is currently undergoing testing and is capable of transporting 7 to 10 passengers. According to UATAIR's website:  https://www.uatair.com/product/info/69.html the UR6000 combines the agility of helicopters with the speed and range of fixed-wing aircraft, targeting urban air mobility, logistics, and emergency response use cases.

Dual-Use Potential

If China deems its tiltrotor platforms "safe and reliable" enough for civilian deployment, it’s likely they will be adapted for military use as well.  

 

"Charge of the light platoon"

Finally, Chinese light cavalry thunders over the Mongolian steppe, a sight not witnessed since the Battle of Buir Lake in 1388 of the Ming Dynasty.

Jokes aside — it’s 2025, so naturally the drill comes with FPV and robotic ‘dog’ drones in tow

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Modern PLA Land Unit Of The Day. Light Cavalry

After reviewing the modern Chinese heavy shield infantry and Phalanx / Mandarin Duck formations, next up is the mysterious PLA Light Cavalry.   The PLA Light Cavalry, like other Light Cavalries such as the legendary Mongolian equivalent, is trained as swift scouts and battlefield raiders. As a result, they traded heavy armor for speed and mobility, allowing them to perform critical missions such as performing reconnaissance, quick raids against the enemy's rear, and protecting the flanks of the main army.   At least in principle.   In actuality, as evidenced by the photographs below, they are not properly armed for modern combat of 2024.   While it is understandable that they are not protected with plate armor, they are also not wearing mail shirts for little protection against arrows or melee warfare.  

As several famous PLA professional analysts have properly pointed out, the PLA has not performed a massive cavalry charge since the mid Qing dynasty, 200 years ago, thus it is understandable that they will not know how to handle modern combat.  They are untested.  Additionally, they appear to be equipped just with a saber and a composited bow, with neither shield or lance to be found. Furthermore, crucial two-way communication technology such as Ram Horn is not available at the squadron level; as some well-known PLA professional analysts have pointed out, corruption at the top levels is to blame for not equipping Ram Horn to each troop.

 

Movie reference of the day: J-10 does a "Top Gun Maverick"

 

A closer look: PLAN's 155mm naval gun

Recent imagery circulating on Chinese defense forums suggests the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is moving ahead with deployment of a 155 mm naval gun system. In concept and role similar that of US Navy’s Advanced Gun System (AGS), optimized for delivering sustained, precision fire in support of amphibious and coastal operations.

Looking at the following photos below indicates the weapon is likely to be integrated into an upcoming guided‑missile destroyer (DDG) class. Of course, there's no surprise that PLAN intent to enhance long‑range naval gunfire support (NGFS) capabilities, leveraging larger‑caliber munitions for improved reach, payload flexibility, and shore bombardment effectiveness to an island somewhere east of China.
 

The adoption of 155 mm naval artillery could:

•     Expanded land‑attack portfolio alongside missile systems.
•     Interoperability potential with advanced guided projectile tech.
•     Doctrinal shift toward sustained fire support in joint operations.

Reassured, we will be seeing it onboard of a PLAN vessel soon

 

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

New PLAN Development Of The Day: 155mm Naval Guided Missile Gun

As of today,  the heaviest naval combatant under the PLAN command is the Type055 DDG, sporting a H/PJ-38 130mm naval gun, the same H/PJ-38 also found on the type Type 052D.   Reading the plaque, this new "155 mm Naval Guided Missile Gun" was freshly minted in March 2025 (this month) by the State Factory 447 weighting in 21800 Kg.

The next logical set of questions are: 

1) Retrofiring the Type055 from 130mm to this new 155mm?  

2) A new class of PLAN "heavy" is under consideration? 

 Both 1 and 2?

Your guess is as good as mine.

New PLA Light Tank In detail, at the upcoming

Another rehearsal was held yesterday for the upcoming parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War in Beijing, offering the public a first look at some newly unveiled military equipment.

One highlight is a new light tank, believed to feature an unmanned turret, advanced electronics, and the much-needed side armor protection, a long common criticism of the Chinese tank fleet.

How this new PLA light tank will integrate into the broader armor warfare doctrine remains unclear, given that the current model, the Type 015, is relatively new and shows no obvious need for replacement. Answers may come soon enough once its actual field deployment is revealed

 

 

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Video Of The Day: 2025 China Beijing Military Parade Rehearsal

 

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

September 3rd 2025 parade practices photos of the day: KJ-600/H-600 Carrierborne AEW&C with J-15

 

Monday, April 14, 2025

Photo Collection Of The Day: "Every Formation Is A Parade"

Rehearsal for the 80th anniversary of the triumph of the Anti-Japanese War parade has begun as the following photos suggest.   The Japanese army in China formally surrendered to the Chinese government on September 3, 1945. The day was appointed the national commemoration day of victory over the Japanese invaders.    For this year's parade, it will take place on September 3 as well.

H-6N in formation.

PR Photos Of The Day:Pakistan launches third Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine

 

Pakistan launches third Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine amid deepening defense ties

For the entire article, here (link)

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday launched its third Hangor-class submarine in China, the navy said in a statement, in the latest sign of the country’s growing military ties with Beijing.

The launch comes months after Pakistan’s brief but intense military standoff with India, which saw the two nuclear-armed neighbors exchange air, missile, drone and artillery attacks.

 

 

 

Bad pun of the day: Photo of China's J36 production line

 

Note to China Coast Guard

Remember,  you too have a Type501, the civilian Type052D DDG,  next time use hull number 2305 instead.

Saturday, April 05, 2025

Introducing Type 501 China Coast Guard Cutter, AKA civilian Type 052D DDG

The new Type 501 China Coast Guard Cutter, weighing 6000 tons, is equipped with a Type 382 surface search radar for S&R purposes, powered by a GT-25000 turbine, and can support multiple types of drones and helicopters, making it a good fit to support the China Coast Guard's ever-increasing "civilian" mandates. 

 

Down gunned to a 76mm in due course 

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Type 052D DDG ship hull for the China Coast Guard (CCG)

Well, the conversion of military ship hulls to "civilian" China Coast Guard has occurred before, with Type 54A to CCG Type 878 and 22 Type 056 transferred to China Coast Guard in 2021.

I guess it is now Type052D's turn.