Chinese Military Aviation
Helicopters
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With at least 5 different types of
helicopters bought from different countries, it could become a logistic
nightmare for PLA to adequately maintain all of them. This also reflects
the relatively primitive development of Chinese helicopter industry which
is yet to produce a successful attack helicopter or large transport
helicopter. Rumors have been circulated around that a dedicated attack
helicopter (Z-10) similar to South African Rooviak is already on
the drawing board.
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Z-8 (SA-321G) Super Frelon
A PLAN Z-8 is on an ASW mission, equipped with
a surface search radar, French dipping sonar and carrying an Italian or
American torpedo (Whitehead A244/MK 46 mod 1, may include C-801/802 ASM in
the future). These Z-8s can embark upon Luhu, LudaII class DDG and
Jiangwei, JianghuII class FFG. So far at least 8 Z-8s have been
delivered to PLAN.
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Z-9 (AS-365N) Daulphin
An HJ-8 ATM is being launched by the second prototype
(02) of Z-9W. Its main armament includes four HJ-8 wire-guided
ATMs. Besides missiles, it can also carry two rocket pods and two
12.7mm/23mm cannons. The chopper wears a combat camouflage but is lightly
armored. A roof-mounted optical/IR sight provides the means for searching
and tracking. Its maximum take-off weight is 4t, maximum cruise speed
246km/h, maximum range 664km and ceiling 4,220m. The first prototype of
Z-9W flew in 1989 and now it is believed in production (the export
version is called Z-9G). Other members of the family include Z-9B, PLA army's primary helicopter for
SAR and recon misson, and shipborne Z-9C in service with PLAN (similar to
AS-365F in service with French Navy) with Thomson Sintra HS-12 dipping
sonar and one Whitehead A244/MK-46 Mod 1 torpedo. This version also
provides datalink between ship and YJ-8II SSM for over-the-horizon attack.
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Z-11/AS-350B Ecureuil (Squirrel)
A small number of preproduction Z-11 light
helicopters are being evaluated by PLAAF, with the third prototype
(Z11-0003) shown here. They are mainly used in scout, liaison and rescue
missions. It has been rumored that Z-11 is based on AS-350B.
The prototype of Z-11 passed flight evaluation in December 1996 and
is ready for small batch production. It weighs less than Z-9
(2,000kg) and is powered only by one WZ-8D turboshaft (510kW) instead of
two. An attack version called WZ-11 has also been speculated.
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A PLAN Z-8 is on an ASW mission, equipped with
a surface search radar, French dipping sonar and carrying an Italian or
American torpedo (Whitehead A244/MK 46 mod 1, may include C-801/802 ASM in
the future). These Z-8s can embark upon Luhu, LudaII class DDG and
Jiangwei, JianghuII class FFG. So far at least 8 Z-8s have been
delivered to PLAN.
An HJ-8 ATM is being launched by the second prototype
(02) of Z-9W. Its main armament includes four HJ-8 wire-guided
ATMs. Besides missiles, it can also carry two rocket pods and two
12.7mm/23mm cannons. The chopper wears a combat camouflage but is lightly
armored. A roof-mounted optical/IR sight provides the means for searching
and tracking. Its maximum take-off weight is 4t, maximum cruise speed
246km/h, maximum range 664km and ceiling 4,220m. The first prototype of
Z-9W flew in 1989 and now it is believed in production (the export
version is called Z-9G). Other members of the family include Z-9B, PLA army's primary helicopter for
SAR and recon misson, and shipborne Z-9C in service with PLAN (similar to
AS-365F in service with French Navy) with Thomson Sintra HS-12 dipping
sonar and one Whitehead A244/MK-46 Mod 1 torpedo. This version also
provides datalink between ship and YJ-8II SSM for over-the-horizon attack.
A small number of preproduction Z-11 light
helicopters are being evaluated by PLAAF, with the third prototype
(Z11-0003) shown here. They are mainly used in scout, liaison and rescue
missions. It has been rumored that Z-11 is based on AS-350B.
The prototype of Z-11 passed flight evaluation in December 1996 and
is ready for small batch production. It weighs less than Z-9
(2,000kg) and is powered only by one WZ-8D turboshaft (510kW) instead of
two. An attack version called WZ-11 has also been speculated.