Changhe Z-18
| Z-18 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and Medium transport / Utility helicopter |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Avicopter (Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation) |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | People's Liberation Army |
| Developed from | Avicopter AC313 |
The Changhe Z-18 is a medium transport helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) to replace the Z-8.
Design and development
The Z-18 is a single-rotor helicopter with tail rotor and a non-retractable landing gear, thought to be based on the Avicopter AC313, an updated design based on the earlier Harbin Z-8, itself a development of the Aérospatiale Super Frelon. Naval version of Z-18 was first revealed onboard Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning. In 2014, army version of Z-18 was revealed in Chinese army publications.[1] It features a redesigned lower fuselage, with power provided by three improved WZ-6C turboshaft engines and has a MTOW of 13.8 tonnes.[2]
The Z-18 uses composite materials for the rotor blade and titanium main rotor. It is equipped with a modern integrated digital avionics system and advanced electronic flight instrument landing system. Variants of the Z-18 have been developed for performing VIP transport, search and rescue, ASW and AEW operations.
Variants
- Z-18: Based on the Avicopter AC313 design, it features a modified lowered fuselage and an improved WZ-6C turboshaft. A nose-mounted weather radar as well as FLIR and TV turrets were installed. Additional communication and navigation antennae are also added.
- Z-18J: New AEW variant with a multimode active electronically scanned array radar from the 38th Institute.
- Z-18F: A recent anti submarine version with surface radar, dipping sonar, hardpoints intended for torpedoes/missiles, and sonobuoys.
- Z-18A: Army version with a terrain following radar and EO turret.
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
References
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- ↑ http://www.janes.com/article/42184/china-unveils-asw-version-of-z-18-helicopter
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