On the morning of October 16th, the Tianjin Civil Helicopter Industry Base of Aviation Industry Corporation of China was crowded with people. As the rotor blades of the armed helicopter stirred up the airflow, the seven aircraft formation of the Army's "Wind and Thunder" flying demonstration team dragged colored smoke across the sky, marking the official opening of the 7th Tianjin International Helicopter Expo in China. This grand event with the theme of "Open Innovation, Integrated Development, and Cultivating New Quality Productivity" gathered 52 aircraft developed by nearly 400 enterprises from more than 30 countries in a 160000 square meter exhibition area, depicting a promising picture of the booming development of China's helicopter industry. From the stunning performance of the battle eagle array to the independent breakthrough of core components, from the practical demonstration of military helicopters to the industrialization of low altitude economy, China's "intelligent manufacturing" is writing a new chapter in the wider world of aviation power. New and Old Battle Eagles Array: Showcasing the Advanced Path of System Combat. Amidst the cheers of the people in the flight observation area, the Z-20T, which exhibits vertical climbing movements, quickly rises steadily and agilely. Suddenly, the Z-20T released rows of jamming shells, and the flames and trajectories instantly drew striking arcs in the blue sky. This is the first appearance of the Z-20T at the Tianjin International Helicopter Expo (hereinafter referred to as the "Tianjin Helicopter Expo"), showcasing its flight stability and maneuverability through a series of stunt flying maneuvers. The successful development of the Z-20T has filled the gap in China's helicopter spectrum's ability to combine attack and operation. ”Zhu Minfeng, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Aviation Industry Helicopter Institute, introduced it. It is reported that compared to the Z-20, the Z-20T has become more versatile. A pair of short wings have been added on both sides of its fuselage, with four mounting points on the wings. In addition to being used to mount various types of air to ground missiles, rocket launch nests, and carry air-to-air missiles such as the Thunderbolt 90, it can also be equipped with electronic warfare jamming pods to enhance battlefield survival capabilities, or carry auxiliary fuel tanks to increase range. The Z-20T is equipped with a large electro-optical aiming device on the front side of the fuselage, which can support more search and guidance modes and cope with more complex and changing battlefield environments. The flying stunts of the performance team are not simply 'showing off skills'. ”The person in charge of the "Wind and Thunder" flight performance team introduced that "specialized flight performances are an effective way to explore technical and tactical aspects, and can provide ideas for improving the practical training level and combat capabilities of the land and aviation forces." "Every detail of this set of aerial movements comes from practical needs. ”Pilot Zhang Qian, who just finished the Z-20T flight performance, introduced to reporters. With over 4000 hours of safe flight records, he completed multiple difficult courses such as hovering, turning, jumping, and reversing on the same day. The leap and reversal just now is what is internationally known as the 'Leviathan maneuver', which can quickly change the attack direction of helicopters in actual combat and carry out continuous strikes on targets. As helicopters become more advanced, we will challenge more difficult operations with practical significance. ”Zhang Qian proudly said. In addition to the "new faces" who made their debut, the reporter also met many "old friends" at the exhibition site, from China's first independently developed helicopter - Z-5, to the independently developed Z-9 series helicopters, to the armed helicopter based on Z-9- Z-19, as well as the Z-20 tactical general-purpose helicopter, Z-8L transport helicopter, and so on. The concentrated presentation of these new and old aircraft models demonstrates the advanced development path of helicopters in China. Having participated in 5 consecutive Tianjin Direct Expo, pilot Niu Chao has a deep understanding of the equipment development process of our military aviation unit over the past 10 years. He stated that China's "smart manufacturing" has provided the military with more new and advanced equipment, greatly enhancing the combat effectiveness of the land and aviation forces. At this year's Tianjin Direct Expo, the Aviation Industry Pavilion highlighted the concept of system warfare during the exhibition setup. In front of the Z-10ME, Lin Ziyu, a booth guide from the Aviation Industry Group, introduced to reporters that "it can form a deep strike echelon with various aircraft types such as the Z-9, Z-11, and Z-20, and work together with the Xuange series unmanned aerial vehicles to form a precise strike and offensive and defensive combat system." The engine is "clustered": the development of the power unit has achieved a new leap. In the "dual aircraft hedge" flight performance, two Z-10s quickly maneuvered towards each other from a height of more than 10 meters above both ends of the runway, passing by at a speed of 180 kilometers per hour. The wonderful performance triggered waves of cheers. Liu Bo, the pilot of the Z-10, said that he is very proud to be able to pilot this powerful helicopter. Behind the powerful performance of the aircraft is its internal assembly of advanced engines independently developed by China. Entering the indoor exhibition area, the reporter saw that the exhibition area of China Aero Engine Group (hereinafter referred to as "AVIC") was surrounded by visitors. It is reported that at this year's Tianjin Direct Expo, China Aviation Industry Corporation (AECC) showcased multiple advanced helicopter power units, including 1100 kW engines, turboshaft-16 engines, AES20 engines, hydrogen fuel engines, and hybrid propulsion systems, showcasing AECC's innovative breakthroughs and hardcore capabilities in the helicopter field from multiple angles and in all directions. As the "heart" of airplanes, aircraft engines are known as the "crown jewel" of modern industry and an important manifestation of a country's technological strength and innovation capability. The 1100 kW class engine is an advanced turboshaft engine independently developed by AVIC, which adopts a combination of compressor, reflux combustion chamber, accessory transmission unit and other designs. It has a compact and lightweight structure, superior performance, vibration monitoring, life management and other functions, and is suitable for 6-ton helicopters. The breakthrough in the field of civil helicopter power is equally impressive. In front of the exhibition booth of the WS-16 engine, there are model certificates and production licenses issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China displayed together. This engine has a high power to weight ratio and low fuel consumption. It has been delivered in bulk for use in AC352 medium-sized civilian helicopters, breaking the dependence on imported power units for 7-8 ton twin engine helicopters. The AES20 engine next to it has a power of 400 kilowatts and can be adapted to light helicopters of 700-1200 kilograms. Its fuel consumption is lower than some similar products abroad, and it has strong international market competitiveness. The future oriented green power exhibition area features megawatt level hydrogen fuel engines emitting a blue halo. This is the first domestic aircraft engine to achieve 100% fuel hydrogen blending, "said Li Tao, a Chinese aviation development expert. The megawatt level aviation hybrid power system exhibited this time outputs energy in the form of electricity, which can be used for 3 to 8-ton electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) and 10 to 20 ton distributed electric propulsion general aviation aircraft. It has the characteristics of high power density, good safety, and low emissions, and can provide a zero emission power solution for the development of low altitude economy. As the "power bridge" between the engine and the rotor, the transmission system is also moving towards full autonomy. The tail transmission system model of the AC352 medium-sized civilian helicopter showcases its precise internal structure, with the intermediate reducer, tail reducer, and transmission shaft components forming an efficient power transmission chain, achieving an internationally advanced power to weight ratio. It is reported that the development and production of the AC313A and AC332 helicopter tail drive shafts adopt key technologies such as precision aluminum alloy tube shaft processing, non-destructive testing of tube materials, and precision dynamic balancing of tail shafts. The product technology is mature and reliable, and has been installed and delivered in bulk. In addition, AVIC also exhibited various precision components, showcasing the application of new technologies, materials, high-performance, and high reliability products in the field of aviation power. From the engine to the transmission system, from core components to material processes, we have established a full chain independent research and development capability. ”The relevant person in charge of China Aviation Industry Corporation revealed that the domestically produced power system has covered all military and civilian helicopter models in China, and has been exported in bulk to the international market. The debut of multiple types of aircraft: New quality productivity helps the takeoff of low altitude economy. In the low altitude economy museum established for the first time at this year's Tianjin Direct Expo, multiple uniquely shaped unmanned aerial vehicles attracted attention, and visitors sat inside some "future aircraft" to experience the charm of technology. At this exhibition, multiple types of low altitude aircraft, including the Aviation Industry Group HH100, Yihang Intelligent EH-216S, and Zero Gravity RX1E, were exhibited for the first time. These new aircraft, which combine a sense of technology and futurism, demonstrate infinite possibilities for the development of low altitude economy. Low altitude economy, a new form of economy that emerged with the transformation of aircraft forms, is related to significant changes in future lifestyles. Aviation rescue, drone delivery, industrial inspection, sightseeing tourism... The low altitude economy is currently entering a period of rapid development and is beginning to unleash the dividends of technological development. In 2024, the low altitude economy will be included for the first time in China's government work report. According to the prediction of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the market size of China's low altitude economy will reach 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025, and is expected to exceed 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035. With the booming development of low altitude economy, the popularity of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft continues to rise. At the centralized signing event for civil aircraft sales held on October 16th, the first domestically produced heavy-duty electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft AR-E800 brought by China Aviation Industry Group won 20 confirmed orders and 140 intended orders, becoming the highly anticipated "signing champion". AR-E800 is the first eVTOL product developed by the group company with the goal of commercial sales. ”Miao Dejian, the project leader of AR-E800, introduced it. The project team found during market research that there is an urgent need for high load and strong adaptability transportation platforms in scenarios such as the construction of power grid towers in mountainous areas, material hoisting for infrastructure projects, transportation of agricultural products, and regular material supply for scenic spots. EVTOL will definitely occupy an important position in the low altitude economy. ”Miao Dejian stated, "We will continue to upgrade our products based on market demand and technological development level, allowing more products to enter the market and serve people's livelihoods." In recent years, the Aviation Industry Group has implemented the national strategic deployment of developing the low altitude economy, leveraged its technological advantages, accelerated the layout of the eVTOL industry new track, and launched multiple types of products. On the first day of this exhibition, the Aviation Industry Group signed intentions and confirmed contracts with various parties for 193 such aircraft models, covering multiple categories such as manned helicopters and unmanned equipment. At the same time, two new unmanned helicopter products, AR-600 and AR-2000, were released. This is not only an increase in orders, but also a reflection of industry confidence. The latest release of the "China Civil Helicopter Market Forecast Annual Report (2025-2034)" predicts that by 2029, the size of China's civil helicopter fleet will exceed 1700 and the flight volume will exceed 300000 hours. In addition to the exhibition of various aircraft, the reporter paid special attention to the first provincial-level low altitude flight service platform in China to make its debut at the Tianjin Direct Expo. According to the relevant person in charge Guo Wei, the platform will coordinate and manage low altitude flights in Tianjin, promoting the efficient development of the city's low altitude economy. At this year's Tianjin International Fair, international cooperation was also highlighted, and professional exchange activities yielded fruitful results. High end forums such as the "2025 China Helicopter Development Forum" and the "Beijing Tianjin Hebei Low altitude Economic Synergy Development Seminar" gather industry experts from home and abroad to grasp the forefront of the industry. A foreign representative who participated in the Tianjin Direct Expo sighed, "This year's exhibition has a larger scale and more cutting-edge technology, and the breakthroughs of Chinese enterprises in independent innovation are shocking." From the difficult start of the Zhi-5 to the appearance of the Zhi-20T in the blue sky; From relying on imported engines to independent breakthroughs in cutting-edge hydrogen fuel power technology; From the display of a single aircraft model to the development and grand vision of low altitude economy, this year's Tianjin Direct Expo is not only a showcase of equipment iteration, but also a response to China's "intelligent manufacturing" era. Amidst the roar of rotors, China's aviation industry is using self-improvement and innovation as a pen to depict national defense