Chief designer recalls debut of fighter jet showcasing China's advanced thrust vectoring capability

The chief designer of China's J-10B demonstrator fighter jet recently recalled how the aircraft's debut seven years ago has showed the world the country's advanced thrust vectoring capability. At the Airshow China in the southern city of Zhuhai in November 2018, the J-10B demonstrator fighter aircraft powered by an indigenous thrust-vectoring WS-10 Taihang engine stunned the world with its supermaneuverability. During the display, it executed five impressive maneuvers, including Pugachev's Cobra, a dramatic and demanding maneuver in which an airplane flying at a moderate speed suddenly raises the nose momentarily to slightly beyond the vertical position before dropping to a normal horizontal flight.

"No single-engine aircraft at any other air show in the world has completed all five such maneuvers. We were the first in the world to do so, with this single-engine aircraft," said Wang Haifeng, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief designer of the J-10C.

Thrust vectoring technology dramatically enhances a fighter jet's maneuverability by adjusting the engine nozzle direction, but it comes with major technical risks. The development team had to overcome a range of critical challenges in aerodynamics, flight control and engine control.

Wang revealed that despite the maturity of the technology, performing a public display at the airshow still involved risks, and there had been opposition to the J-10B's participation in the airshow.

"We know that an air show demonstrates a country's level of aviation technology. Because we invested so much in developing this aircraft, we were fully aware of the key risks involved and the consequences if something went awry. With that in mind, we felt that if the jet could fly, we would just go ahead and get it off ground. And it completed the flight without incident. It made us feel that was just a normal and necessary thing to do," Wang said.

The breakthrough in thrust vectoring laid a vital foundation for the development of later aircraft models. Theoretical achievements and practical experience from the project have already been applied to multiple aircraft development programs.

Chief designer recalls debut of fighter jet showcasing China's advanced thrust vectoring capability

Duty-free sales in China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) reached 161 million yuan (about 22.8 million U.S. dollars) on Thursday, the first day of island-wide special customs operations, according to official statistics released Friday by Haikou Customs.

Nearly 24,800 shoppers purchased about 118,000 items on the day, up 53 percent and 25 percent year on year, respectively, the data showed.

At the Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, significant discounts drew large numbers of customers.

"We were curious about the changes after the island-wide special customs operations were implemented, so we came to have a look," said a customer.

"Foot traffic is up at least three to four times compared with usual levels, and new products are selling very well," said Xu Xueli, a salesperson at the Haikou CDF Mall.

The Haikou Global Premium Duty Free Plaza was also bustling with customers engaging in interactive games and promotional activities.

"The performances are fantastic, and the discounts are very generous. I came after the island-wide special customs operations began to buy some duty-free items. I've had my eyes on, and I'm really happy," said another customer.

"By integrating cultural experiences and duty-free shopping, we aim to better incorporate Dongpo culture into the consumer experience," said Chen Haidan, sales manager in the operations management department of the Haikou Global Duty-Free Plaza.

Su Dongpo was a prominent poet and cultural figure of China's Song Dynasty (960–1279), celebrated for his literary legacy and culinary skills.

The island-wide special customs operations took effect Thursday in the Hainan Free Trade Port, the world's largest free trade port by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures.

Hainan records 161 mln yuan in duty-free sales on first day of special customs operations