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.
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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.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Special-Mission: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Equipped to search, track, and engage enemy underwater elements by way of specialized onboard equipment and weapons.
✓Special-Mission: Anti-Ship
Equipped to search, track, and engage enemy surface elements through visual acquisition, radar support, and onboard weaponry.
✓Special-Mission: MEDical EVACuation (MEDEVAC)
Extraction of wounded combat or civilian elements by way of specialized onboard equipment and available internal volume or external carrying capability.
✓Special-Mission: Search & Rescue (SAR)
Ability to locate and extract personnel from areas of potential harm or peril (i.e. downed airmen in the sea).
✓Commercial Aviation
Used in roles serving the commercial aviation market, ferrying both passengers and goods over range.
✓VIP Service
Used in the Very-Important-Person (VIP) passenger transport role, typically with above-average amenities and luxuries as standard.
✓Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR), Scout
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
✓Special Forces
Serving Special Forces / Special Operations elements and missions.
Length
75.6 ft (23.05 m)
Width/Span
62.0 ft (18.90 m)
Height
21.8 ft (6.65 m)
Empty Wgt
15,135 lb (6,865 kg)
MTOW
28,660 lb (13,000 kg)
Wgt Diff
+13,525 lb (+6,135 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Harbin Z-8 production variant)
Installed:
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.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Harbin Z-8 production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)
Civilian models unarmed. ASW models cleared to carry aerial torpedoes for the sub-hunting/ship-hunting role.
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
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.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
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