| Z-18 | |
|---|---|
| |
| PLANAF Changhe Z-18J AEW from the aircraft carrier Liaoning | |
| Role | Utility helicopter |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Avicopter (Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation) |
| First flight | 2014[1] |
| Introduction | 2018 |
| Status | In service, in production |
| Primary user | People's Liberation Army |
| Developed from | Avicopter AC313 |
The Changhe Z-18, also known as Z-8G,[1] is a medium-lift transport helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) to replace the Changhe/Harbin Z-8.
The Z-18 is a development of the Avicopter AC313 and Changhe/Harbin Z-8, both of which are developments of the Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon.[2][1]
Notable changes include a redesigned lower fuselage similar to the AC313 which results in larger internal space.[3] It also reportedly makes greater use of titanium and composites in its rotor blades and rotor,[4] and replaces the Z-8's boat-shaped lower fuselage with a tail ramp for small vehicles.[1] It has a glass cockpit[2] and is powered by three WZ-6C turboshafts.[2][1]
The Z-18's maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 13.8 tonnes. In late-2014, the only People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships able to operate the helicopter at MTOW were aircraft carriers and large amphibious assault ships.[4]
The Z-18F anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version was undergoing testing by the end of August 2014.[4]
The army transport Z-18A first appeared in Chinese state media in December 2014, and reportedly underwent high-altitude testing on the Tibetan Plateau in January 2015.[2] The Z-18A reached an altitude of 9,000 m (29,528 ft) during testing.[1]
The Z-18A was in service with the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) by January 2018.[2]
Data from Military Today[8]
General characteristics
Armament
