Harbin (CAIC) Z-8

Maritime Multirole Navy Transport Helicopter

China | 1976

"The Harbin Z-8 is the French-originated Aerospatiale SA321 Super Frelon medium-lift multirole hauler operated by the Chinese military today."

Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 06/20/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Harbin Z-8 is nothing more than the French-originated Aerospatiale SA321 "Super Frelon" medium-lift, multi-role helicopter in Chinese military service. The Chinese received about dozen units from the French during the latter-half of the 1970s and pressed them into the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Search And Rescue (SAR) roles. As such, they became the first in-service Chinese helicopters to be capable of operating from moving warships which broadened the tactical value of its surface fleet considerably. Beyond the stock received from French industry, the series has also been produced locally under the Harbin brand label.

The civilian market form of the Z-8 is the 27-seat AC313, developed locally by AviCopter.

The Z-8 retains the form and function of its French counterpart. It is equipped with a radar fit for the ASW role where it is called on regularly to conduct submarine-hunting exercises. A dipping sonar also aids in this action. To engage a submarine or surface vessel threat, the helicopter can carry anti-submarine/anti-ship torpedoes externally.

Beyond its hunter role, the Z-8 is also outfitted for SAR duty by way of hoist-and-basket, FLIR (Forward-Looking InfraRed), and powerful searchlight in the "Z-8S" variant. This allows the helicopter to operate over-water and reclaim downed pilots or seaman as needed. Stability by way of a steady hand at the controls and an effective autopilot system aid in these types of actions. This version appeared in late-2004 and remains in active service with the PLAN. The "Z-8K" and "Z-8KA' designations represent modernized SAR forms. The "Z-8JH" is a specialized MEDEVAC variant.

The inherent over-water capabilities of this helicopter, and its support by the existing fleet of Chinese Navy warships, also lets it participate in ship-to-shore amphibious assault operations. In Army service, this role is fulfilled by the "Z-8A" which entered service in late-2002 (to operate alongside existing Russian-made Mil Mi-8V5 transports).

Some of the Z-8 stock have been modernized in key ways during the course of their service lives including changes to the avionics fit, engines, and cockpit.

The base Z-8 design incorporated three turboshaft engines for the power needed and these output 1,570 horsepower per unit, driving a six-bladed main rotor blade assembly and a five-bladed tail rotor assembly (facing portside). The fuselage is deep with the nose section covered over in framed windscreens. The radar unit protrudes forward through its blister assembly at the nose. The helicopter relies on a tricycle wheeled undercarriage that is retractable and the outboard sponsons operate as floats allowing the helicopter to land on water for water-rescues operations. The cabin includes side-by-side seating for the two pilots, room for a flight engineer, and enough space to seat passengers, support rescue equipment or patient litters. The hold can also double as a cargo area to which point the helicopter can serve in the at-sea replenishment role. Its versatility goes beyond this for the platform can also be pressed into service during humanitarian crisis' as well as in the fire-fighting role.

The Z-8 series is set to be succeeded by the incoming fleet of advanced Harbin "Z-20" medium-lift haulers - no doubt influenced by the American Sikorsky UH-60 "Black Hawk" line. The program began around 2006 and a prototype of this form saw a first-flight on December 23rd, 2013 with formal service introduction announced in 2018. This addition is notable in that it utilizes an indigenous Fly-by-Wire (FbW) digital control system as well as local engines (W-10 turboshafts).

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

December 2018 - Its is known that Z-8 helicopters have been operating on the deck of China's sole aircraft carrier, Liaoning. The carrier is set to be joined by another such ship type soon.

July 2021 - The CAIC Z-8L variant has been showcased to the public at Tiananmen Square. This marks the latest notable offering in the series. At least six are thought to already be in active service with army airborne forces. The type includes a redesigned airframe (appearing more like Western designs such as the American UH-60 Black Hawk) and side sponsons.

Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Harbin Z-8 Maritime Multirole Navy Transport Helicopter.

3 x Turbomeca Turmu IIIC turboshaft engines developing 1,570 horsepower each and driving a six-bladed main rotor blade and five-bladed tail rotor.
Propulsion

171 mph
275 kph | 148 kts
Max Speed

10,335 ft
3,150 m | 2 miles
Service Ceiling

634 miles
1,020 km | 551 nm
Operational Range

1,315 ft/min
401 m/min
Rate-of-Climb

Structure
The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the Harbin Z-8 Maritime Multirole Navy Transport Helicopter.

3
(MANNED)
Crew

75.6 ft
23.05 m
O/A Length

62.0 ft
(18.90 m)
O/A Width

21.8 ft
(6.65 m)
O/A Height

15,135 lb
(6,865 kg)
Empty Weight

28,660 lb
(13,000 kg)
MTOW

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Harbin (CAIC) Z-8 Maritime Multirole Navy Transport Helicopter .

Civilian models unarmed. ASW models cleared to carry aerial torpedoes for the sub-hunting/ship-hunting role.

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Harbin (CAIC) Z-8 family line.

Z-8 - Base Series Designation; based in the Aerospatiale SA321 Super Frelon from France.

Z-8A - Transport variant developed for Chinese Army; entering service in February of 1999; limited production.

Z-8S - Search and Rescue (SAR) model; equipped with hoist, FLIR turret, and searchlight for at-sea rescues.

Z-8K - Upgraded SAR platform for PLAAF.

Z-8KA - Upgraded SAR platform for PLAAF.

Z-8JH - Maritime model for the PLAN with surface-search radar, dipping sonar, and aerial torpedo support.

AC313 - Civilian market development of the Z-8 with seating for 27 passengers.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Harbin (CAIC) Z-8. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 50 Units
Contractor(s): Aerospatiale - France / Harbin; Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) - China

[ China ]

1 / 3

Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

2 / 3

Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

3 / 3

Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

❮ ❯

Similar
Developments of similar form-and-function, or related, to the Harbin (CAIC) Z-8 Maritime Multirole Navy Transport Helicopter.

Change Z-8G (Gaoyan)

Going Further...
The Harbin (CAIC) Z-8 Maritime Multirole Navy Transport Helicopter appears in the following collections:

HOME

AVIATION INDEX

AIRCRAFT BY COUNTRY

AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURERS

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks of the World U.S. Department of Defense Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols Breakdown U.S. 5-Star Generals List WWII Weapons by Country World War Next

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)