The "August 1st" Acrobatic Team now uses J-10 fighter jets. It has performed at every Zhu Hai Air Show. Its recent marketing ploy is the 4 female pilots. The Chinese Air Force has trained and deployed female pilots since the 1950s as a means to show gender equality. Until recently, all female pilots were on transports or helicopters. A few female pilots have been trained on fighter jets and the propaganda machine has boast their stories. I am not sure if they are truly qualified as front line pilots. Even for the acrobatic mission, "August 1st" brought 4 twin seat J-10 to ZUH, and both seats were filled for all 4 during my visit.
Taxi out to start their performance
After a two-ship and another three-ship take off, Number 12 did a low pass over the airport to wow the audience.
Number 12 performing a single routine
Six-ship formation
Five-ship split
Four-ship formation
Taxi back after the performance
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