The Changhe Z-18 is a locally-designed, developed, and produced multi-role / multi-mission large helicopter serving the Chinese military in several capacities. The type is an offshoot of the relatively new AVICopter AC313 transport helicopter series detailed elsewhere on this site (and therefore shares performance and structural data with it). The Z-18 was selected by the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) service to succeed its fleet of Z-8 helicopters based in the French Aerospatiale SA321 "Super Frelon". It generally takes on maritime / overwater roles though a land-based variant is also featured for the Army (as the "Z-8G").
The Z-18 currently exists in four major recognized forms: Z-18 is used to designate the base, maritime-minded form housing FLIR/TV and enhanced communications and powered by the WZ-6C turboshaft engine series. Z-18F is used to designate dedicated Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) platforms that arrive complete with surface-search radar, dipping sonar capability, sonobouy support, and provision for torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and mine dispensers. The Z-18J is an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) model carrying a locally-designed and developed multi-mode Active, Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radar unit. The Z-8G is a Chinese Army variant sporting a unique nose assembly carrying terrain-following radar for Nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) flying. It is also equipped with an Electro-Optical (EO) sensor system in a small powered turret.
Currently, the Z-18 series serves aboard the modest Chinese Navy aircraft carrier fleet while the Army version entered service in or around January 2018.
Beyond its patrol and attack roles, the Z-18 can also fulfill Search & Rescue (SAR), VIP passenger transport, and MEDEVAC roles as needed.
Specifications
Year: 2018
Status Active, In-Service
Crew 3
[ 24 Units ] : AVICopter (Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation - CAIC) - China
China
- Airborne Early Warning (AEW)
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Ship
- Transport
- VIP Transport
- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
Length:
75.62 ft (23.05 m)
Width:
62.17 ft (18.95 m)
Height:
21.82 ft (6.65 m)
(Showcased structural dimension values pertain to the CAIC Z-18 production model)
Empty Weight:
15,432 lb (7,000 kg)
MTOW:
29,762 lb (13,500 kg)
(Diff: +14,330lb)
(Showcased weight values pertain to the CAIC Z-18 production model)
3 x WZ-6C turboshaft engines developing 1,570 horsepower each and driving a six-bladed main rotor and five-bladed tail rotor.
(Showcased powerplant information pertains to the CAIC Z-18 production model)
Max Speed:
155 mph (250 kph; 135 kts)
Service Ceiling:
10,335 feet (3,150 m; 1.96 miles)
Max Range:
652 miles (1,050 km; 567 nm)
Rate-of-Climb:
1,315 ft/min (401 m/min)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the CAIC Z-18 production model; Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database)
Dependent upon operating model. Maritime combat forms equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and naval mine dispensers.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the CAIC Z-18 production model)
Z-18 - Base Series Designation; standardized with FLIR/TV equipment and enhanced communications set; maritime model.
Z-18F - Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) variant serving Chinese Navy; surface-search radar as well as dipping sonar; sonobuoy support; provision for torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and naval mines.
Z-18J - Airborne Early Warning (AEW) variant; equipped with locally-developed Active, Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
Z-8G - Chinese Army variant; turreted Electro-Optical (EO) set; Terrain-Following Radar (TFR) equipped for overland travel.
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
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