VN22, a new generation 6 x 6 wheeled armored vehicle with world-class combat capability made by NORINCO, is demonstrated on Wednesday at the Airshow China 2021 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Yang Sheng/Global Times

Although aircrafts have stolen the show at Airshow China 2021, China state-owned defense enterprises also displayed their star products for not only indoor exhibitions but also outdoor dynamic performance, with a new armored vehicle VN22 making its debut at the show in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.

China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) has brought more than 450 independently developed products including main battle tanks and armored vehicles, unmanned vehicles, anti-missile and air defense systems, and intelligent ammunition, and more than 150 among these products made their debuts in Zhuhai, according to the NORINCO.

VN22 is a new generation 6 x 6 wheeled armored vehicle with world-class combat capability, and Li Heng, spokesperson of the NORINCO at the exhibition hall, said "its design is futuristic, and its front looks a bit like Iron Man." 

According to NORINCO, the VN22 can defend and survive an explosion of 10 kilograms TNT, and all its six wheels can make pivot meaning the radius of its turning circle is even smaller than the vehicle with four wheels, and this makes it extremely maneuverable. During the dynamic performance, VN22 also showed its flexibility during the operation to the audience. This armored vehicle can be used for transporting combat troops, patrol, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions.

During the dynamic performance, NORINCO also demonstrated a series of ground forces weapons including wheeled armored vehicles VN1, VN2 and VN4, as well as Lynx altering vehicles and VP11 mine detection vehicle and other weapons including artilleries. 

Battle tanks and armored vehicles represented by VT4 main battle tanks and VT5 light tanks, which are mature products in the international markets, offered a real-time performance to a watching audience. Equipped with heavy-duty weapons systems and an advanced information system, these vehicles have an advantage in off-road mobility, multiple strikes, and information coordination. 

In contrast to previous airshows, the Airshow China 2021 has received fewer foreign visitors due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, but the staff members of the NORINCO said that many countries also sent their representatives in China to visit the Airshow to explore cooperation.