The Aviation Expo China 2015 kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday, showcasing numerous unmanned aerial systems (UAS), inclusive of a model which debuted at the recent September 3 military parade in Tiananmen Square.

Thirty unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) companies participated in the exhibition, including the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the Nanjing Research Institute on Simulation Technique (NRIST) under the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army.

AVIC captivated expo attendees with its exhibition of a model of the Wing Loong I, a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV which was first seen during the September 3 military parade, and a model of a fourth-generation fighter FC-31.

The Wing Loong II UAS, an advanced version of Wing Loong I, also held tremendous sway with the public with many gathering to look at the brochure - the only thing with information on the machine as there was no model on display.

According to the pamphlet, the new system can carry out reconnaissance missions, surveillance and ground attacks. Also, compared with its predecessor whose maximum speed is 280 kilometers per hour, Wing Loong II can fly at the maximum speed of 370 kilometers per hour and has an increased maximum flight altitude of 9,000 meters.

The Wing Loong II also has six external stores which suggest a capacity for 12 missiles, six times that of Wing Loong I. The drone also has wingtip devices along its 20.5-meter-long wingspan which can help to reduce air resistance and improve flight efficiency, according to alternation analysts.

The NRIST displayed several target drones including the S-200J high-subsonic-speed target drone which can be used by both the air force and the navy.

Several companies presented hand-launched drones. The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation showcased the HW-120A drone which weighs less than six kilograms and can operate for up to an hour.

More than 140 exhibitors from 16 countries attended the expo which runs until Saturday, including Airbus and Boeing who displayed their A380 and B777-9 models respectively.

A visitor takes a picture of a model of a fourth-generation fighter FC-31 being showcased at Aviation Expo China 2015, in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Li Hao/GT