CAIC Z-18

Medium-Lift, Multirole Military Helicopter

China | 2018

"Based in the AVICopter AC313 helicopter platform, the Changhe Z-18 multirole type has been developed to succeed the Z-8 series in Chinese service."

Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/12/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The 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.

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Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the CAIC Z-18 Medium-Lift, Multirole Military Helicopter.

3 x WZ-6C turboshaft engines developing 1,570 horsepower each and driving a six-bladed main rotor and five-bladed tail rotor.
Propulsion

155 mph
250 kph | 135 kts
Max Speed

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

652 miles
1,050 km | 567 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 CAIC Z-18 Medium-Lift, Multirole Military Helicopter.

3
(MANNED)
Crew

75.6 ft
23.05 m
O/A Length

62.2 ft
(18.95 m)
O/A Width

21.8 ft
(6.65 m)
O/A Height

15,432 lb
(7,000 kg)
Empty Weight

29,762 lb
(13,500 kg)
MTOW

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the CAIC Z-18 Medium-Lift, Multirole Military Helicopter .

Dependent upon operating model. Maritime combat forms equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and naval mine dispensers.

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the CAIC Z-18 family line.

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.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the CAIC Z-18. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 100 Units
Contractor(s): AVICopter (Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation - CAIC) - China

[ China ]

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Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

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Going Further...
The CAIC Z-18 Medium-Lift, Multirole Military Helicopter appears in the following collections:

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