Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2011-9
Values in set: 3
Denomination: 360 fen
Date of issue: April 17, 2011
Size of stamp: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Size of Sheet:
190 * 160 mm
Designer: Fang Jun, Meng Qingchen
Printing process: offset
Printer: Henan Postage Stamp Printing House

On April 17, 2011, the special stamp "China's Aircraft (II)" (catalog number 2011-9) was officially issued, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the founding of China's aviation industry. It was an additional stamp issue added to that year's schedule. The set consists of three stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 3.60 yuan. The stamps were designed by Fang Jun and Meng Qingchen, with aviation materials provided by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. This set is the second in the "China's Aircraft" series, following the first set issued in 1996 (catalog number 1996-9), and was later followed by "China's Aircraft (III)," forming a complete series.

The stamps feature three milestone国产 aircraft: a third-generation independently developed fighter jet, a long-range fighter-bomber, and a large civil helicopter, covering both national defense and civil aviation sectors. They present the major leap of China's aviation industry from imitation to independent innovation over sixty years, highlighting the achievements of aviation serving the nation, and symbolizing the continued advancement of the industry.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

J-10 Fighter Jet

Image: The J-10 fighter jet in low-altitude flight with its landing gear deployed, with a background of engineering line drawings of the aircraft.
History: The J-10, codenamed "Vigorous Dragon," is China's first third-generation multi-role supersonic fighter jet with full independent intellectual property rights. It broke through numerous key aviation technologies and is a mainstay of the Air Force, marking a major leap in China's fighter jet development.
Significance: An iconic representative of advanced domestic fighter jets and a symbol of independent aviation technology breakthroughs.

Fighter-Bomber "Flying Leopard"

Image: The JH-7 "Flying Leopard" in flight with air force gray camouflage, with aircraft design sketches in the background.
History: The Flying Leopard is a domestically developed all-weather fighter-bomber with long-range ground and anti-ship strike capabilities. It has long been an important operational aircraft for the Navy and Air Force, responsible for coastal defense and tactical strike missions.
Significance: A representative of domestic long-range tactical strike aircraft, filling a gap in China's fighter-bomber capabilities.

AC313 Helicopter

Image: The AC313 large civil helicopter in red, white, and blue civil livery.
History: The AC313 is China's first large civil transport helicopter, suitable for forest firefighting, emergency rescue, maritime rescue, and plateau transport missions, with excellent high-altitude performance.
Significance: A pioneering work in domestic large civil helicopters, representing the achievements of civil aviation development in emergency response.

Artistic and Design Features:

Unified Layout: Horizontal stamp format with consistent composition across the three stamps, highlighting the main aircraft with background engineering line drawings, creating an industrial and technological feel.
Color Coding: The first two military aircraft use cool blue tones, emphasizing the robust nature of defense equipment; the civil helicopter uses a warm red gradient background, reflecting its role in civil emergency services.
Realistic Style: Accurately reproduces the aircraft's appearance and livery with meticulous attention to detail, true to the actual aircraft.
Series Continuity: Continues the horizontal format of the 1996 "China's Aircraft" issue, facilitating collection of the series as a complete set.

This stamp set is a commemorative issue for the 60th anniversary of the aviation industry and a key connecting piece in the "China's Aircraft" series. The subject matter covers military aircraft, civil aviation, defense technology, and the aviation industry. The three aircraft are highly recognizable and are highly valued by collectors interested in military and aviation themes. As a supplementary issue, it also holds unique commemorative significance for the era.