With reference to Chinese media, Western sources announced the first flight of a "mysterious Chinese helicopter of innovative design" intended for military use. A self-funded project to develop it was launched in March 2019 by Changhe Aircraft Industry Group and the China Helicopter Research and Development Institute. Both structures are members of the China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC).
As stated in the press release of the Institute, the progress of the project was reviewed in March 2022 at a joint working conference. According to the release, in March, the new aircraft successfully completed its first flight and will perform several more test flights to check the characteristics. At the same time, it was reported that the developers managed to solve many technical problems. Currently, they are seeking approval of the innovative helicopter project and its recognition as a national one. If successful, the development could lead to the emergence of a high-performance next-generation helicopter for the PLA.
A Chinese expert quoted by the Global Times suggested that compared to most of the current promising helicopter "may have a completely different aerodynamic design, higher speed, better stealth characteristics or a larger take-off weight".
Observers note that no additional level of detail was provided, so Western sources only guess what kind of helicopter it is. It is assumed that the most likely are tiltrotor platforms, such as the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey or V-280 Valor , or helicopters like the Sikorsky-Boeing Defiant , with a rigid coaxial system of rotors and a pusher propeller.
Discussing Chinese research and development, Wu Ximing, Deputy head of AVIC and chief designer of the Chinese attack helicopter Z-10, told the Global Times: "Unlike the traditional configuration of previous helicopters, the new ones will have very different designs, including those created to overcome the physical speed limit of about 300 km/h due to the traditional design ... Helicopter developers will need research and innovation to achieve high speeds while maintaining vertical capabilities takeoff and landing".
The same article claimed that China had conducted test flights of at least two types of innovative design — a multi-rotor vertical takeoff and landing with a mixed wing and one "with completely different innovations."
Expansion of the fleet of Chinese helicopters
According to Western experts, at the moment the PLA continues to rely on the Z-10 medium attack helicopter, although it is improving it. A news video presented in September 2021 showed the modernization of the Z-10 belonging to the 79th Army Aviation Brigade.
To reduce IR visibility, the exhaust pipes of its engine, when viewed from the ground, were directed upwards, as on the Z-10ME, and external armor panels were added under the cab. The "friend-foe" identification system and the antenna for the BeiDou satellite navigation system also turned out to be new.
Chinese Z-10 Attack Helicopter
Another image (the source gives a warning about possible forgery) shows a Z-10 equipped with a radar on the mast. It is noted that the Z-19 has already been seen with this type of radar, so it is obvious that it will eventually appear on the Z-10.
It is expected that the first export buyer of the Z-10 will be the Armed Forces of Pakistan. There are rumors that the Pakistanis expressed interest in the Z-10ME after the US disrupted deals on the AH-1Z Viper and T129 Ataks.
Another important helicopter for the PLA is the Z-20 . One of the last units to receive it is the 76th Army Aviation Brigade.
A new variant — a search and rescue helicopter, possibly named Z-20S — was spotted in the 161st Airborne Assault Brigade. It can be distinguished by the EO turret, the searchlight under the fuselage and the emergency position indicator under the tail.
Multi-purpose helicopter Z-20 PLA
Nevertheless, the curiosity of observers was really aroused by the Harbin WeChat video published on December 1, 2021, in which a pixel helicopter is shown in a video about the Z-20 night tests. Some suggest that a hidden version of the Z-20 was demonstrated, although this remains unconfirmed.
Later, on January 31, AVIC released a commercial containing computer images of an armed Z-20 with a refueling probe in the air. This Chinese helicopter had two short wings, each of which carried four missiles.
The People's Armed Police also received their first Z-20s. So, the helicopter detachment of the 2nd Mobile Corps in Sichuan-Zhongjiang province now operates Z-20WJ type helicopters.
The Z-8/Z-18 helicopter family continues to expand. In particular, it is reported about the Z-18F model with a Z-8C-style engine compartment, which is supposed to indicate the installation of WZ-6C engines. This variant can be designated as Z-18FA. Similarly, with an upgraded engine, observers noticed a Z-18JG AEW helicopter, as well as a new type of anti-submarine helicopter Z-18FG.
A special version of the Z-8 EW is in development. It can be called Z-8GD. The helicopter is designed for electronic jamming on the battlefield with the help of large antennas installed on both sides of the middle part of the fuselage.
The connection with Moscow remains
Strangely enough, Western experts note, despite the internal activities on the development of national helicopters, the PLA continues to rely on Russia in terms of helicopter supplies.
At an unspecified time in 2019 or 2020, Beijing ordered Mi-171Sh helicopters from Moscow. Since they have a full package of self-defense equipment, it is assumed that the PLA will use these vehicles in combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.
Russian Mi-171SH helicopter
The first helicopter deliveries took place in April 2021. These helicopters, painted in gray and having inconspicuous identification marks, became the first Mi-171Sh helicopters adopted by the PLA. According to Western experts, this order of Mi-17/Mi-171 helicopters is the first in several years, which somewhat contradicts the principles of using Chinese helicopters.
According to the materials of the resource shephardmedia.com
