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50 Years of Chinese Aviation Knockoffs

** Bernardo Malfitano's compilation shows the
similarities between these aircraft.**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Bernardo Malfitano created a photo montage showcasing Chinese aircraft alongside the Western and Soviet designs they are based on.
  • The collection covers 50 years, highlighting a shift from early licensed Soviet copies to more recent "wholesale ripoffs" of leading-edge U.S. fighters, transports, and UAVs.
  • Examples of these imitations include Chinese copies of advanced U.S. aircraft like the F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation fighters.
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Aviation enthusiast Bernardo Malfitano has put together an interesting and compelling montage of dozens of photographs showing Chinese aircraft juxtaposed with the Western and Soviet designs on which they are based.

The collection spans 50 years of Chinese aviation development, with most of the early photos representing Chinese airplanes and helicopters built under license with the blessing of the former Soviet Union.

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