Image source: topwar.ru
Photos have been published in the Chinese segment of the Internet showing a new rotorcraft being developed in the interests of the PLA. Previously, she did not get into the lenses, and therefore aroused increased interest among military observers.
Judging by the images presented, it is visually similar to the Z-20 helicopter, but it has a number of fundamental differences. In particular, the design of the front part of the machine differs; the pilots are located in accordance with the "tandem" scheme – in the front seat and the rear one, located slightly higher; a different mechanism is used to disperse exhaust gases emanating from the power plant.
Image source: topwar.ru
As can be assumed, the new machine is based on the Z-20, which was previously called by Western observers the Chinese "reincarnation" of the American AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. Now, the new product, which has received the designation Z-21 among experts, is completely similar to it, as indicated. At the same time, it is not really known what the Z-21 is called: before the appearance of these photos, its existence was not known.
Image source: topwar.ru
It is noteworthy that Chinese resources mainly discuss the question of whether the new car was copied from the Russian Mi-28 or Mi-28NM, and not from the American Apache.
