"August First" Aerobatics Team aims for the sky

Slideshow: Air show to celebrate PLA Air Force 60th Anniversary

As the J-7 fighter makes way for the new J-10 models, the PLA August 1st Aerobatic Team is using the next generation of hardware, to become one of the world's top airborne teams. CCTV Han Bin talked with some of the pilots and paratroopers, as they prepared for an air show to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the PLA air force.

The pilots are making their final plans for the air show. They are from the August 1st Aerobatic Team, know as the PLA's "honor guard in the sky". They've completed the first public demonstration of the J-10 fighters, marking an important milestone for the air force.

Yan Feng is one of the first pilots to have test flown the J-10 fighters. Having served in the military for 25 years, he says the J-10 fighters are a great leap in the air force's development.

Sr. Col. Yan Feng, Commander of Aviation Division of PLA, said, "Unlike traditional fighters, the J-10's major wing is at the back, with a duck wing in the front. This greatly increases its power, maneuverability, and speed, while reducing resistance. It also has an outstanding flight control system. "

Yan Feng says the significance of the J-10 goes far beyond a better show for the audience.

Sr. Col. Yan Feng said, "If the Chinese air force does not adopt third generation fighters, it can never compete against the world's major air forces. The J-10 will help establish the advanced image of the PLA Air Force, and make it a major air power in the world. "

It's the last show for the J-7 fighters, who have held the spotlight for the past 15 years. Lou Guoqiang, an air force captain, will be in the lead fighter in the formation. He's been flying the J-7 for 12 years.