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 Z-8/S/J/JH (SA-321Ja) Super Frelon
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Z-8 is a land or ship based ASW/SAR helicopter based upon French SA-321Ja Super Frelon (13 were bought in the late 70s, serial numbers
94x6, 95x6). The helicopter was developed in the 80s by Changhe Aircraft Industrial Corporation
(CHAIC) and gave the Chinese valuable experience of designing a medium-sized helicopter. Its maximum TO
weight is 13t, cruise speed 248km/hr, ferry range 1,400km, service ceiling 3,050m. Its powerplant are 3
WZ-6 turboshafts. For ASW mission, Z-8 is equipped with a surface search radar, French HS-12 dipping
sonar while carrying a Whitehead A244S torpedo under the starboard side of the fuselage. It might also
carry YJ-81 or YJ-83K ASMs in the future for anti-ship mission. Several Z-8s
(S/N 90x7, 91x7) were delivered to PLAN in the late 90s. However quality problems had hampered further
orders from the Navy. Later the problems seemed to have been resolved and the small batch production resumed
in 2002 (as Z-8J S/N 95x6, 95x7). A naval SAR version called Z-8S
(S/N 91x7) with upgraded avionics and a search light, a FLIR turret and a hoist flew on December 25, 2004.
At least two have been delivered to PLAN. Another rescue variant with dedicated medical equipment onboard
was also developed for the Navy as Z-8JH (S/N 95x6). At least four are
in service with PLAN. Some were installed with a nose FLIR turret and additional external
pylons to carry rocket and gun pods for anti-piracy operations. The latest image (November 2011) suggested
that Z-8JH will be stationed onborad the aircraft carrier Varyag.
- Last Updated 11/29/11 |
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Z-8A/K/KA/KH Super Frelon
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As an army transport version, Z-8A was developed by CHAIC and 602 Institute and was
certified in February 1999. Two Z-8As were delivered to the Army for evaluation in 2001 but suffered
from poor quality and performance due to the insufficient WZ-6A engine. Only a small batch of Z-8A (S/N LH978xx) were delivered to the Army in November 2002. Consequently
Army decided to order more Mi-17V5s from Russia and stop ordering any more Z-8s. Finally in 2007 PLAAF
started to acquire dozens of much improved Z-8Ks (S/N 30x7x) and Z-8KAs (S/N 619x, 629x) for SAR missions. These specialized variants are
equipped with a FLIR turret and a search light underneath the cabin plus a hoist and a flare dispenser attached
to the fuselage. The engines is thought to be the upgraded WZ-6G turboshaft. A dust filter is
installed in front the of engine intakes. Z-8K/KA also features a glass
cockpit. Recently another variant dubbed Z-8KH was developed for the
PLAAF unit stationed in Hong Kong, which has chaff/flare launchers installed in the floats. The first batch of
4 will be delivered in early 2010 (S/N 630x). The latest photos (February 2011) indicated that PLA Army finally
ordered a new batch of the improved Z-8Bs (? S/N LH958xx) similar to Z-8KH
but with the floats removed to reduce weight. A new glass cockpit similar to AC313
has been installed. It was rumored that the new helicopter is powered by Canadian P&W PT-6B-67A turboshaft but
this has not been confirmed.
- Last Updated 11/18/11 |
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Z-9A/B/H425 (AS-365N) Dauphin
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A Z-9B light transport helicopter was taking off. Unlike most other Z-9s in
service with the Army, it actually belongs to a special PLAAF unit stationed in Hong Kong (S/N 6x0x). Based on
Z-9A, Z-9B has upgraded engines and uses more locally made components. The initial batches of
AS-365Ns (Z-9) license-built by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC) were used mainly
as transport helicopters (can carry up to 8 soldiers). However as more and more cheap and robust Mi-17/171
medium transport helicopters are being imported from Russia, Z-9 has become Army's primary utility helicopter
for SAR, training (S/N LH909xx, 919xx, 959xx, 989xx, 999xx) and other special missions which resulted in a number of
specialized variants such as communication, artillery direct
and EW (Type I & Type II) etc. In June 2000 two Z-9As
(able to carry machine gun pods or rocket launchers) were purchased by Mali AF, marking
the first exporting success of Z-9. Two were delivered to Mauritania AF in 2003.
Two Z-9s were delivered to Laos in June 2007, two more (H425) in December 2008. Zambia also ordered a few Z-9s.
The production of Z-9A/B has been superseded by the further
improved H425 design (S/N 70x2x). It was reported that Bolivian Army ordered 6 H425s in
December 2011.
- Last Updated 1/1/12 |
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Z-9C (AS-365F) Dauphin
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A PLAN Z-9C was ready for take-off carrying a Whitehead ASW torpedo. This
shipborne ASW variant is based on French AS-565F Panther (S/N
96x6, 8 were imported in the late 80s), and is equipped with an Agrion 15 (or indigenous KLC-1) surface search radar, a Thomson Sintra HS-12 dipping sonar and can
carry one Whitehead A244 torpedo on the starboard side. A small beacon antenna is mounted on the
roof of the cabin. This variant could provide datalink between ship and YJ-83 AShM for over-the-horizon
attack. Z-9C is expected to be stationed onboard the new 052B/C DDGs
(S/N 92x7, 96x6, 97x6) as an alternative to the heavier Ka-28s. Z-9C was co-developed
by HAMC and 602 Institute and only a few have entered limited production since late 2003. Pakistani Navy
is taking delivery of 6 Z-9ECs starting from 2007. Several
Z-9C/AS-365F (S/N 96x6) have been converted into SAR role with a
search light, an EO turret and a hoist installed. Lately in order to conduct anti-piracy patrol mission
off the Somali coast, several Z-9Cs (S/N 96x6, 97x6, 93x7) have been
further modified to boost its firepower, with a 12.7mm gun pod carried on the starboard side and a 57mm
rocket launcher on the port side. As the result, the EO turret (housing TV and FLIR cameras) was relocated to
the helicopter roof and an air data sensor was installed. A downgraded training
version (ZL-9? S/N 98x0) was also produced for the Naval Academy.
- Last Updated 3/4/11 |
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Z-9D Dauphin
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The new Z-9D 001 anti-ship variant prototype is shown here.
Based on Z-9C, Z-9D has been modified to carry up to 4 ASMs under a pair of stub wings against small surface
targets. The missile could be the TL-10B developed by Hongdu, which is a light, radar-guided anti-ship missile
used against smaller FACs and gun boats (<1,000t). Its range is 15km, speed is Mach 0.85 and its warhead weighs 30kg.
Z-9D has a fire-control radar installed in its nose and is thought to have all the ASW equipment removed. This
anti-ship variant is expected to be stationed onboard smaller FFGs patrolling in the South China Sea.
- Last Updated 9/30/11 |
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Z-9W/WA/WE/WZ Dauphin
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Z-9W is the first indigenous anti-armor attack helicopter
derived from the license-built AS-365N. Its main armament are four KD-8 wire-guided ATGMs (range 600-3,000m,
armor penetration >800mm). Besides anti-tank missiles, it can carry also two 57mm/90mm rocket pods, or two
12.7mm machine gun pods, or two 23mm cannons, or four TY-90 IR-guided AAMs. The helicopter wears an army
camouflage but is lightly armored. It also lacks effective counter-measures against IR and laser guided
SAMs. However one prototype has been fitted with an IRCM system (similar
to American AN/ALQ-144) behind the main rotor. A roof-mounted optical sight provides the means for searching
and tracking in daylight. Its maximum take-off weight is 4,100kg, maximum speed 315km, maximum range 664km
and ceiling 4,220m. The first prototype of Z-9W flew in 1989 and dozens have been produced (S/N
LH959xx, 969xx, 979xx, 989xx, 999xx). Some Z-9Ws feature redesigned
engine intakes with improved dust filters. An further improved night-attack version dubbed Z-9WA similar to AS 565CA Panther was developed in
2000 featuring more powerful engines and a new stub wing which can carry up to 8 KD-8 or KD-10 ATGMs, PL-90 or even FN-6 AAMs.
Its nose is redesigned to carry a low-light TV/IRST turret (YY-1?) for night missions, with RWR antennas
installed on both sides. A mast-mounted sight (or an MMW radar) prototype
was also developed. Z-9WA has a better armor protection in the cockpit area, a flare
launcher, datalink and a redesigned NVG compatible cockpit. An air data sensor is installed on the starboard
side of the cabin. A large datalink antenna is installed underneath the boom. Z-9WAs
have been entering service with the Army Aviation (S/N LH919xx, 929xx, 939xx, 949xx,
959xx, 969XX, 979XX,
989xx, 999xx, 9109xx)
since early 2005 as a stop-gap measure until Z-10/Z-19 (see below) enters the service. A recon version
(Z-9WZ) was also developed and it first flew on December 29, 2004. This variant carries light machine guns
instead of the heavier ATGMs. PLAAF also took delivery of a few Z-9WZs in
2007 (S/N 609x, 619x, 60x2x). Some of them are equipped
with loudspeakers and a search light for SAR purpose. A similar variant (Z-9ZH)
is also in service with the PLAAF unit stationed in Hong Kong (S/N 620x). It was reported that 4 Z-9WEs were delivered to Kenya in 2010, marking the first export success of this
variant.
- Last Updated 9/19/11 |
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Z-10
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A first glimpse of an Army Aviation Z-10 attack
helicopter is shown here. Co-developed by the 602 Institute, CHAIC and HAMC as the first dedicated modern attack
helicopter for PLA Army Aviation since 1998, Z-10 is generally believed in the same class as South
African Rooviak and Italian A129, yet still not as capable as American AH-64 Apache. The helicopter adopts a
standard gunship configuration with a narrow fuselage and stepped tandem cockpit
with the gunner in the front seat and the pilot in the backseat. The fuselage appears to have a stealthy
diamond cross section to reduce RCS. It also have a 5-blade main rotor made of composite material and an AH-64 style
4-blade tail rotor. All the vital areas of the fuselage including the cockpit and fuel tanks are believed to be protected
by the armor plates. It weighs about 5.5 tons and was powered initially by two P&W PT6C-76C turboshaft engines (rated
@ 1,250kW each). However domestic developed engines (upgraded WZ-9?) are being used in production batches due to the
embargo imposed by the west. Its rotor and transmission systems may have been designed with extensive technical assistance
from Eurocopter France and Agusta. Its weapon system may consist of up to 8 KD-8 ATGMs in box launchers under the stub
wings and a 23 cannon mounted under the chin, aimed via gunner's helmet mounted sight. Furthermore PL-90 AAMs can be carried against enemy helicopters
and slow-moving fixed wing aircraft. It can also carry 8 newly developed KD-10
ATGMs in the same class of AGM-114 Hellfire. Similar to AH-64, Z-10
features nose mounted PNVS and TVDS housing FLIR, TV camera, laser range finder and designator. RWR and radar jammer
antennas are installed on both sides of the forward and aft fuselage. In addition, a laser
warning receiver is installed on top of the pylon on each side. The helicopter may also be fitted with an
integrated communication/navigation system, a comprehensive ECM suite, IFF, chaff/flare launchers, 1553B databus,
and a glass cockpit. 2 prototypes were built in 2003 and 6 more were built in
2004. The first flight of 02 prototype took place on April 29, 2003. Several Z-10
prototypes powered by PT6C-76C engine were evaluated by the Army by 2007. In 2009 it was reported that an
"optimized" version (Z-10A?) was under development and expected to enter the mass production. This version is powered
by the less powerful WZ-9 engines (~1,000kW) thus has its weight reduced by eliminating certain parts such as less
armor protection and smaller weapon load. So far at least 12 Z-10s of the first batch have entered the service with PLA Army Aviation (S/N LH951xx).
- Last Updated 12/20/11 |
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Z-11/AS-350B
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Z-11 is a light utility helicopter designed for training and liaison missions.
Two batches of Z-11s are in service at the Army Aviation Training School
(S/N LH904xx). Developed by CHAIC and 602 Institute, Z-11
passed the certification in December 1996 and the first batch were delivered to the Army Aviation in August
1998. Compared to Z-9, it weighs less (2,200kg) and is powered only by a single WZ-8D turboshaft
engine (rated @ 510kW) instead of two. Its maximum speed is 278km/h, service ceiling 5,240m, max range 598km,
endurance 3.9hr. It appears that Z-11 was actually based on French AS-350B
Squirrel, 7 of which are also in service with the Army Aviation (S/N LH904XX). A scout version similar
to US Army OH-58D was developed and dubbed Z-11WA. This variant features a roof-mounted all-weather
TV/IIR sight and an NVG compatible cockpit. It can be armed with 57mm unguided rockets, 12.7mm machine gun
pod and up to 4 KD-8 ATGMs. The first prototype of Z-11WA flew on
December 27, 2004. However this version failed to attract any order from the Army and instead a number of
Z-9WZ (see above) were acquired. Recent images indicated that Z-11 has been wearing an
army camouflage. The latest news (October 2011) suggested that China and Argentina signed an agreement to
assemble CZ-11W scout helicopter in Argentina aiming at the whole South American market.
- Last Updated 10/19/11 |
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HC-120 Colibri
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This light utility helicopter just entered the service with the Army Aviation in
late 2005 for primary training. It is basically an EC-120 co-developed by China, France and Singapore
in the mid-90s and manufactured by HAMC. Some specifications: max TO weight 1,715kg, max cruise speed
237km/hr, range 771km, hover ceiling 5,151m. It is powered by one Turbomeca Arrius 2F turboshaft engine
rated at 335kW. The helicopter also uses composite materials extensively. Initial batch of 8 HC-120s were delivered to Army Aviation Training School by the end
of 2005 (S/N LH908xx). Currently around 34 are in service. HC-120
is expected to have replaced the aging SA-316 fleet to train new pilots for the Army Aviation.
- Last Updated 8/13/09 |
Z-19 
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A close-up of the Z-19 prototype is shown here
carrying a 90mm rocket launcher. Z-19 (?) is a light scout/attack helicopter
based on H425 currently under development at Harbin Aircraft Industrial Corporation. The helicopter features a
narrow forward fuselage and a tandem cockpit layout similar to those of Z-10 (see above), but with pilot
sitting in the front seat and gunner in the back seat. Both crew are protected by armor plates, crash-resist seats
and non-retractable front landing gears. It also features a Z-9WA style nose mounted EO turret (FLIR, TV
and laser range finder). Z-19 is thought to retain the same aft fuselage, engine, transmission and rotor
systems with minor modifications from H425 which speeds up the development. The helicopter can also carry the
air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon package similar to that of Z-9WA under a pair stub wings, including
KD-8 ATGMs, PL-90 AAMs as well as 23mm gun pods and rocket lanchers.
Some specifications: TO weight 4,500kg, empty weight 2,350kg, max cruising speed 245km/h, max climb rate 9m/s,
range 700km, ceiling (no ground effect) 2,400m, endurance >3hr. Z-19 is expected to support the heavier
Z-10 attack helicopter from Changhe in a high-low combination, replacing the earlier Z-9WA.
It was reported that Z-19 prototype first flew in May 2010. However one prototype crashed on September
18, 2010. Currently Z-19 is being evaluated by the Army.
- Last Updated 2/2/12 |
