the china aviation museum - datangshan

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Republished for the 'Best of Global Aviation Magazine' series.

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Page 1: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

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Page 2: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

THE CHINA AVIATION MUSEUMDATANGSHAN

There really is no other museum collection quite like the China Aviation Museum at Datangshan. The museum is enormous, with lots of aircraft on display, including some unique types which are not to be seen anywhere else. Paul Dunn reports for GAM.

Existence of a collection of preserved, historic aircraft in China first came to light in 1989, when the China Aviation Museum opened its doors to the public. It was clear that China had been collecting aircraft for some years beforebefore that, and the ‘discovery’ of the museum caused a stir amongst enthusiasts and observers in the west.

The original museum was

somewhat rudimentary and chaotic. Recently a large new display hall opened which has brought the location up to date, but the site still retains much of its character; some areas resemble a scrap yard as much as a museum, butbut poking around in those areas is definitely part of the fun of visiting!

The museum features military and civilian aircraft from a variety of

sources. Most are originally Soviet designs, especially the older military aircraft. However, there are also considerable numbers of Western types and also aircraft which are products of China’s own aircraft manufacturing industry. DuringDuring the late 1950s, relations with the Soviet Union broke down over doctrinal differences (the Sino-Soviet Rift occurred in 1960) cutting off the supply of aircraft and technology from that source.

Page 3: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan
Page 4: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Final aircraft in the line is an Ilyushin Il-18 (below), which was once the personal aircraft of Chairman Mao. For a small charge (10 Yuan, approx £1), visitors can view the interior of the aircraft; although it was essentially a VIP aircraft, conditions were still somewhat austere, Mao himself was provided with a small cabin and bed (below right).

This Vickers Viscount was once used to transport China's leaders

Page 5: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Although China expressed an interest in building the MiG-15 under license, most aircraft operated by the PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) were Soviet-built MiG-15s. China did build the two seat version of the MiG-15 (MiG-15UTI) under the designation Shenyang JJ-2, and there are several of these on display, but production of single seat fightersfighters commenced with the MiG-17F, or Shenyang J-5 under the Chinese designation system.

Behind the VIP aircraft is a Qing-6 maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft is one of 20 Russian-built Beriev Be-6s supplied second-hand to the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) in the 1960s. In the 1970s, as the original radial engines became difficult to maintain, the survivors were re-engined with turboprops and received the local designation Qing-6. The first of two large flying boats on display, this maritime patrol aircraft is impressively displayed on its beaching gear, positioned on a slipway alongside a pond (below).

After this initial row of transports, the visitor is presented with a choice of turning left or right. To the right is the entrance to the cavern inside Datangshan mountain, home to the original museum display area. Turning left leads to the new display hall which opened in 2009. The path to the new museum hall contains a series of statues representingrepresenting milestones in Chinese aviation. On either side of this path are rows of aircraft which trace the history of Chinese military aircraft development.

The right side of the path is dedicated to jet fighters and provides an excellent illustration of how the Chinese aviation industry developed in the post-WWII era. The line-up is displayed in chronological order, but there are many additional examples of most of the types on display at various locations around the museum site. First in the line is a a MiG-15 (right), famously flown by Chinese pilots alongside North Korean and Soviet colleagues during the Korean War.

Page 6: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

The fighter line continues with examples of the J-5, including the Chinese designed trainer, the Chengdu JJ-5. The JJ-5 is unique to China – there is no comparable Russian version of the MiG-17. The Chengdu Aircraft Factory was alsoalso responsible for producing the radar equipped all weather version of the J-5, the J-5A. This was the Chinese version of the MiG-17PF and was produced in large numbers, with some aircraft being modified to carry air-to-air missiles.missiles.

The next Soviet type to be built in China was the MiG-19, known as the J-6. In Soviet and Warsaw Pact service, the MiG-19 was not highly regarded and suffered from poor reliability, but in China the aircraft lasted in service for much longerlonger and spawned a series of developed versions, as China’s aircraft manufacturing industry went from producing direct copies of Soviet types towards developing its own aircraft.

The first J-6 version to be produced in China was the J-6A, the license built version of the MiG-19P radar-equipped all-weather interceptor. The straight J-6 day fighter actually came later, followed eventually by the J-6B (MiG-19PM), which was the J-6B (MiG-19PM), which was

One of the large number of Shenyang J-5 (MiG-17F) derivatives on display at the museum

This is a Shenyang JJ-6, the Chinese developed two seat version of the J-6 (MiG-19).

The ultimate Chinese development of the MiG-19 was the Q-5 ‘Fantan’ attack aircraft. Major changes were made to the original J-6 airframe, with the most obvious being a switch to twin air intakes on the fuselage sides, in order to improve forward visibility and incorporate a radar in the nose. Early versions also featured an internal weapons bay and some modelsmodels carried nuclear weapons. Later versions of the Q-5 are still in service with the PLAAF and PLANAF, despite the introduction of much more modern multi role aircraft, and other aircraft serve with nations in Asia and Africa. The museum has an early Q-5, alongside a later Q-5 I version.

equipped with a radar and armed with air-to-air missiles.

TheseThese versions were all essentially MiG-19 copies – later versions were developed solely in China, including the JJ-6 trainer and J-6C tactical fighter, exported as the FT-6 and F-6C. Later versions were termed J-6 I, II, III, and IV, featuring aerodynamic modifications and upgraded engines, with differing levels of success. However, it was all valuable experienceexperience for China’s nascent aviation industry. The museum has examples of most of these types on display.

Page 7: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Above - A line-up tracing development of fighter aircraft in China, from the MiG-15 through to the J-8

Above - The Shenyang J-6A all-weather interceptor, a license built version of the MiG-19P

Above - A Nanchang Q-5 I 'Fantan' attack aircraft. From the rear the MiG-19 ancestry is easier to see

Below - The J-6 III was one of the Chinese developments of the original J-6 and featured a modified air intake layout. This example also features wing-tip rails for air-to-air missiles

Page 8: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Another aircraft type which spawned a multitude of versions was the J-7 (above), the license built version of the MiG-21F. Initial construction of the J-7 was occurring at the time of the Sino-Soviet split, meaning that China was forced to complete development alone. The J-7 was built in a variety of different forms and later versions are still produced forfor export today in the form of the F-7. The F-7 has proved a popular choice for many states with close ties to China, especially African nations such as Nigeria, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The museum has an early J-7 on display, alongside a much larger aircraft which was also developed from the MiG-21.

The J-8 (below) came about as a result of a PLAAF requirement for a long-range interceptor, to supplement the J-7, which was really only a tactical fighter and limited in range and performance. At the

time, jet aircraft development in China was at a fairly early stage and the Sino-Soviet Rift meant that help was not forthcoming from its former ally to the north.

TheThe chosen concept was in effect a scaled up, twin-engined MiG-21F, which was considered to be a low risk technical solution. During the late 1970s, the development project proceeded slowly due to the effects of the “Cultural Revolution” on the industry and the aircraft did not enter service until 1980. This protracted development meant that the aircraft was outdatedoutdated by the time it entered service, so an upgraded version, the J-8 I, soon followed. The museum has a J-8 displayed at the head of the fighter line, while inside the building are more advanced types, including the ultimate development of the J-8, which remains in service today; more of that later.

Page 9: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Opposite the fighter line is a similar selection of bomber types, although many of the aircraft on display have been converted for special roles. Oldest aircraft in the line is a Tupolev Tu-2 ‘Bat’ (above), a type which served the PLAAF for many years. The example outside carries Chinese markings while other aircraft are displayed with North Korean markings, having been used during the Korean War. used during the Korean War.

The Soviet Union’s first practical jet bomber was the Ilyushin Il-28 ‘Beagle’. China received an initial batch of Soviet built Il-28s in the early 1950s and the aircraft saw action against Taiwan in 1954-55. Impressed with the aircraft, China was keen to build the aircraft itself, but did not receive a manufacturing license. The breakdown in relations with the Soviet Union meant thatthat the Chinese were unable to get such a license, but it was decided that production would commence anyway, and the Beagle was built in China under the designation Harbin H-5 and enjoyed a very long service career.

Under the export designation B-5, the H-5 was exported as far afield as Romania and Albania, with whom it lasted in service into the 21st century. There are two aircraft on display outside the museum, one a straight H-5 bomber version, the other an HD-5, converted for electronic warfare, with a large number of external aerials under the fuselage.

Two of the most impressive aircraft in the collection are next in the bomber line. In the 1950s, when the Soviet Union was in the process of modernising its bomber fleet, a small number of Tupolev Tu-4s were supplied to China. The Tu-4 was, of course, a direct copy of the Boeing B-29A Superfortress, fitted with Shvetsov Ash-73TK radial engines. By the late 1960s, these enginesengines were proving difficult to maintain, so the survivors were re-engined with Zhuzhou WJ-6 turboprops, and some aircraft were converted for special missions.

The China Aviation Museum has two such aircraft on display. The first (below) is an aerodynamic test-bed for an AWACS aircraft based on the Tu-4. It was fitted with a rotodome over the fuselage and other fairings underneath but no radar was ever fitted and the project was not developed further.

Page 10: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

The other machine on display (below) was converted to carry and launch two Chang Hong-1 reconnaissance drones. This drone was a copy of the Ryan AQM-34N Firebee drone used during the Vietnam War. As a result of operational losses of Firebees in Chinese airspace during the 1960s, China was able to gather sufficient knowledge to reverse engineerengineer the American design and produce its own version.

The most modern bomber on display is the Xian H-6, (right) an aircraft which is still in widespread service with the PLAAF, with updated versions still being in

production. The H-6 is a Chinese built version of the Tupolev Tu-16 ‘Badger’ bomber, which was produced during the 1960s. It still serves as a bomber, missile carrier and tanker aircraft, amongst other specialised roles.

AtAt the end of the line is a massive Harbin SH-5 flying boat (inset right). This impressive machine was conceived as a replacement for the Qing-6, as a maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft. It was only moderately successful and only four production aircraft were completed; the museum has the prototype on display.

Page 11: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan
Page 12: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

The imposing new display hall opened in 2009 and features a wide variety of types including examples of the most modern types in Chinese service. These include the Shenyang J-11, the Chinese license built version of the Sukhoi Su-27SK ‘Flanker-B’, although the aircraft is parked in such a position that it is impossible to photograph. Alongside the J-11 is a pairpair of Chengdu J-10s (bottom). The J-10 is China’s latest indigenous fighter design, and the museum has the initial prototype on display. The other aircraft is a two-seat version, exhibited with a full air-to-ground weapons load, but this example is thought to be a replica.

The main exhibition hall is dominated by another Xian H-6 bomber (below right), alongside several modern PLAAF types, including an impressive Xian JH-7 Flying Leopard (above right). The JH-7 resembles a SEPECAT Jaguar, but is much larger, more comparable in size to an F-111 or Su-24. The JH-7 is in service with both the PLAAF and PLANAF as a long range strike aircraft.as a long range strike aircraft.

Page 13: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Principal interceptor type for the PLAAF is the Shenyang F-8 (above). The F-8 was developed from the earlier J-8 (it is also referred to as the J-8 II) with air intakes on the fuselage sides rather than the nose intake of the J-8. Movement of the air intakes allowed the installation of a modern fire control radar. The aircraft gained international notoriety whenwhen such an F-8 collided with a US Navy EP-3 during an interception.

The far end of the museum features some much earlier aircraft, including Korean War veteran aircraft such as the MiG-15 (in North Korean markings), Tu-2 and Yak-11. There is also an example of the first Chinese jet trainer, the Shenyang JJ-1, produced in the late 1950s, along with some earlier types, including a P-51K Mustang.

TheThe displays contained within the new hall are very comprehensive and interesting but one small disappointment is the lack of captions and

information in English; only very basic details are provided in English, which is a shame as I would have liked to have learned more about some of the displays, especially those describing encounters with US reconnaissance aircraft.

An example of the Shenyang JJ-1 indigenous jet trainer

Page 14: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Back outside and there is a large selection of transport and passenger types on display, mostly of Soviet origin, but with a few surprises too. One of these is a DC-8 formerly operated by Orbis International as a flying eye hospital – it was retired in 1994 after replacement by a much larger DC-10 which is still operating and performing vital eye surgery throughout the third world. surgery throughout the third world.

Largest aircraft on display is an Ilyushin Il-62 (bottom), an aircraft once operated by CAAC, the former Chinese state airline. Other Ilyushin products include two further Il-18s, a couple of Il-12s (above left) and an Il-14, a mix of civilian and military operated aircraft.

Many of the other aircraft on display share a Soviet theme. Of particular note is a pair of identical Tupolev Tu-124 airliners (top right). The Tu-124

was a short-range version of the Tu-104, which was once used as a VIP transport by the PLAAF. There are also pairs of Antonov An-12s (below) and An-24s, along with two Curtiss C-46 Commandos and a collection of four DC-3 derivatives – a genuine C-47 and three further Li-2s, again a mixture of civilian and military aircraft.

Page 15: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Slightly at odds with the aircraft surrounding them is a pair of HS Tridents (right). China was a major operator of the Trident, with aircraft being used by CAAC and the PLAAF. The aircraft had a long career in China, with some examples lasting until the early 1990s before withdrawal. Of particular interest is a pair of Harbin Z-6s. The Z-6

(below) was an unsuccessful (and fairly unattractive) attempt to build an updated, turbine powered version of the Z-5. Although not a success, the Z-6 programme did provide the Chinese aircraft industry with useful experience in producing turbine powered helicopters.

The PLAAF used considerable numbers of C-46 Commandos - two are displayed at the museum

Above - This C-47 in USAAF colours heads up a line of Lisunov Li-2s

Above - This Harbin Z-5 was used for casualty evacuation

Helicopters are well represented too, with a large collection of Harbin Z-5s (license built Mi-4 ‘Hound’) and Mil Mi-8s on display. These wear a variety of colour schemes and include former military and civilian aircraft. The rotary area is dominated by a huge Mi-6 ‘Hook’ heavy-lift helicopter (above).

Page 16: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Moving away from the outdoor display areas, the entrance to the underground cavern is guarded by a spectacularly displayed Nanchang J-12. The J-12 was an unsuccessful attempt to build a light fighter aircraft, which was cancelled in the late 1970s. There is also a long line of J-6/MiG-19 variants on display, including a genuine Russian built MiG-19PM, supplied toto China as a pattern aircraft for subsequent production.

Inside the cavern, it is dark; very dark in fact; dark enough to make photography extremely challenging. There is a fascinating collection of aircraft there though, although some of the older types have been moved to the new display hall. The displays inside were revamped at around the same time as the new building opened so they are reasonably up to date.

MostMost modern type on display is the JF-17 Thunder (top), a joint project between China and Pakistan, which caused a stir in 2010 when a pair of PAF jets visited the UK for the Farnborough Airshow. The JF-17 aside (and it may well be a replica), most of the aircraft displayed in the cavern are much older and in most cases have been in the museum for many years.many years.

Particularly interesting is a collection of North Korean MiG-15s. Many of these carry victory markings on the fuselage side, an interesting comparison to the Sabres from that era we in the west are more used to seeing. Also adorned with a ‘kill’ marking is a later MiG-17PF radar equipped fighter – apparently the aircraft was used to shoot down a Taiwan Air Force P-2 Neptune in 1963.P-2 Neptune in 1963.

Above - This North Korean MiG-15 is one of a number of Korean War veteran aircraft on display

Above - This J-5 was modified to test a radar system

One of the better quality replicas on display is this Kawasaki Ki-46-II painted in Chinese Liberation Army Air Force colours

Page 17: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

Many of the older aircraft on display are in fact fairly crudely constructed replicas. For example, the museum has a de Havilland Mosquito on display – a salvaged left wing was used as the basis for the restoration, but the result doesn’t really resemble a Mosquito. The same could also be said for the P-40 and some of the other aircraft of the same vintage.

AlongAlong with these older machines there are plenty of further examples of types on display elsewhere in the museum, including three H-5s (one of these is a HJ-5 trainer) and other examples of the J-5/J-6/J-7 families. There is also a small collection of interesting foreign types, such as a former Pakistan Air Force Sabre and Mirage and an Italian Air Force F-104 Starfighter.

Emerging once again into the sunlight, there is more repetition in the aircraft displayed on the taxiway, firstly in the form of a couple of J-8s, J-6s, Q-5s and J-7s. One of the Q-5s is particularly interesting as it was the prototype for a torpedo armed anti-ship version, featuring a new radar in a distinctive drooped nose.

AroundAround the slight bend in the taxiway is one of the enduring sights of the China Aviation Museum – an incredible line-up of around 20 fighters, predominately identical J-5s, but with a few JJ-2s thrown in and a further pair of North Korean MiG-15s at the far end. The line resembles a posed propaganda photo from the 1950s showing the strength and numbers of the PLAAF. Such photos are, of course, still produced these days but now feature similar lines of J-10s or JH-7s. Despite the aircraft being mostly identical, there is something really impressive about seeing such a collection, especially as there is not really a comparable sight in any other museum in the world.

The China Aviation Museum is well known for its long lines of fighters. These are J-6/MiG-19 derivatives

One of several JJ-5 trainers on display. The JJ-5 was a Chinese developed two-seat MiG-17

Another North Korean MiG-15 - there are similar examples displayed in both display halls

Page 18: The China Aviation Museum - Datangshan

GETTING THERE

Overall, the China Aviation Museum has to be one of the most interesting collections of aircraft on the planet. With the new developments at the site, its future seems secure despite the rapid expansion of the Beijing suburbs to the south. As such it comes highly recommended, especially for those with a taste for something different.

A few words about getting to the museum as it’s not exactly straightforward, but not difficult either. The easiest way is to catch Line 5 of the Beijing Subway to Tiantongyuan Station, the most northerly station on the line.

From there, you can either get a taxi (about 20 mins, costing in the region of 40 Yuan or £4) or you can continue north on bus 985 as far as Xiaotangshan bus station then change onto bus 945 which stops at the beginning of the museum’s access road.

EnglishEnglish is not widely spoken outside of the centre of Beijing, so it may be an idea to print out the name of the museum in Chinese from the following website, in order to ask for assistance:http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/World/Asia/China/Beijing/China_Aviation_Museum.htm

This Q-5 was the prototype Q-5B torpedo bomber, featuring an unusual drooped nose for its anti-ship radar

The rugged DHC-2 Beaver once operated in countries throughout the world, including China