Multipurpose Harbin Z-20 helicopter (China)
Chinese aviation the industry gained experience in the design and manufacture of equipment by copying foreign samples, and similar processes are taking place now. This year, the Harbin Z-20 multi-purpose helicopter, designed for various structures of the People's Liberation Army, went into series. It is believed that the basis of this Chinese project is a foreign machine - however, its design has undergone serious processing.
One of the experienced Z-20 helicopters. Photo Airwar.ru
In the mid-eighties, against the backdrop of a warming relationship with the United States, China acquired from Sikorsky 24 a multi-purpose helicopter S-70C-2 - a civilian version of the military UH-60 Black Hawk. As far as is known, some of these machines still remain in operation. In parallel with the use of imported equipment, there was a study of its design for the subsequent borrowing of developments.
In the nineties, the PRC leadership decided to develop its own helicopter with a take-off weight of approx. 10 t and flight performance at the S-70 / UH-60 level. Such a machine in the future was to go into service with the army aviation, air force and navy of the PLA, replacing obsolete models. For some time, the new helicopter development program was known as CMH. Later, the project was renamed to Z-20.
Design work was carried out immediately by several enterprises of the PRC. The research was carried out by the AVIC China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, the engineering tasks were solved by the enterprises of Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG) and Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC). The HAIG plant was chosen as the site for the construction of experimental and serial equipment.
The CMH / Z-20 project was based on the design of an imported S-70C-2 helicopter. In this case, it was not intended to simply copy someone else's sample. A number of basic layout and engineering solutions were borrowed from the Sikorsky brand car, while the main units and some aspects of the general scheme were created independently. In this regard, the Z-20 is similar to the S-70, but the carrier system has serious differences. Also, the difference is manifested in the composition of the power plant, instrumentation, etc.
Externally, the Chinese Z-20 helicopter is similar to the American "prototype". It has the same aerodynamic design and a similar large elongation fuselage with a characteristic low profile and large width. The layout, design of the main units, chassis, etc. are saved.
Chinese helicopter Sikorsky S-70C-2. Photo Plane-encyclopedia.com
Chinese engineers did not directly borrow the screws and developed their own products. Z-20 received a five-blade main rotor and four-blade steering. Screw bushings, apparently, were developed independently and based on existing experience.
The exact information on the engines of the Chinese helicopter has not yet been disclosed. The machine receives two turboshaft engines placed in gondolas on the sides of the fuselage. Between them is the main gearbox. Previously, unconfirmed reports appeared in foreign sources, according to which the experimental Z-20 were equipped with WZ-9 engines manufactured by the China National South Aviation Industry Company (CNSAIC). It has also been reported that production vehicles can get WZ-11 or WZ-16 engines from CNSAIC. What products are used on real serial samples is unknown.
In any case, the engine power reaches 2000-2100 hp, which allows you to get the required power ratio and provide the desired flight characteristics. It is noteworthy that in terms of engine power and corresponding potential the Z-20 helicopter is noticeably superior to the existing S-70C-2.
The complex of on-board equipment and controls is actually designed from scratch based on available systems. Especially for Z-20, a new remote control system has been created. Actual navigation and communication systems are also used, which compares favorably with the equipment of old imported equipment.
General view of the first prototype Z-20. Figure Airwar.ru
The rest of the Harbin Z-20 helicopter differs little from the older S-70C-2. It is intended for transporting people and goods. A volumetric cabin in the fuselage is provided for them; external suspension is possible. The helicopter is controlled by two pilots and can carry 10 people or comparable cargo.
If necessary, the Z-20 can solve combat missions, for which it receives weapons. In the openings of the side doors can be mounted machine gun installations. The suspension of blocks of unguided shells and cannon or machine-gun containers is also provided.
The first prototype Z-20 helicopter was built at the end of 2013. Its first flight took place on December 23. The assembly of prototypes continued, and soon new machines came to the test. Since the fall of 2015, various sources reported the existence of five prototype helicopters. All of them performed flights, and with their help all the necessary activities were carried out.
Tests of prototypes and adjustment of serial production took several years. The first messages about the start of deliveries of equipment to the customer appeared only in the spring of this year. In May, the first photos of Z-20 helicopters with PLA identification marks and side numbers indicating operation in the combat unit were published. This equipment belongs to the 161-th air assault brigade of the Central zone of the combat command of the Chinese army.
Experienced helicopter in trials. Photo Airwar.ru
All this shows that mass production has been launched, and now Harbin Z-20 will be massively supplied to the troops. At the same time, according to the old Chinese tradition, the volume of orders, construction plans and the cost of equipment were not disclosed. Over the next years, these issues will have to rely solely on assumptions, estimates, and intelligence.
In all likelihood, the first batches of Z-20 helicopters will enter the army aviation and be distributed between various units and formations. The emergence of its own medium multi-purpose helicopter will allow you to independently re-equip parts with the necessary amount of equipment. However, such processes can drag on for several years - even if we are talking only about army aviation.
First of all, the Z-20 will be used as a vehicle for soldiers and cargo, which can also provide fire support. We should expect the appearance of a modification for naval aviation. It should be distinguished by anti-corrosion performance and have a different composition of equipment. Ship version of the Z-20 will be useful as a transport and as a carrier of anti-submarine systems.
Earlier, Chinese aircraft manufacturers talked about the fundamental possibility of creating an export modification of the helicopter. Such an option Z-20, having a fairly high performance and low price, should be of interest to developing countries. Possible customers were Pakistan, Iran, and other countries in Asia and Africa.
Recent news Harbin Z-20 series production machines put an end to long-term stories development of a new multi-purpose mid-range helicopter. In addition, they clearly show the desires and capabilities of China in the construction of new aviation equipment, and also demonstrate the approaches used.
One of the machines operated by the 161 Air Assault Brigade. May 2019. Photo by Haohanfw.com
The Z-20 project is based on ideas and solutions borrowed from a foreign sample. They were processed and supplemented in accordance with their capabilities and competencies. The result was a “copy” of the existing helicopter, to some extent superior to the original. However, one should not forget about the big difference in the age of the two samples.
It should be noted that while China lags behind other countries in the field of medium multi-purpose helicopters. The main vehicles of this class in the army remain licensed copies of foreign models or fully imported equipment. The situation began to change only in recent years, with the advent of the Z-18 and Z-20 projects. Nevertheless, and they are based on foreign experience.
And yet, in the end, the PLA and other structures receive the necessary equipment with the required characteristics. A serious lag remains behind the leading countries of the world, but in the dynamics the situation looks positive. China is gradually gaining experience for the development and construction of all necessary aviation equipment, and the latest Z-20 serial helicopters confirm its success in this matter.
One of the experienced Z-20 helicopters. Photo Airwar.ru
Foreign roots
In the mid-eighties, against the backdrop of a warming relationship with the United States, China acquired from Sikorsky 24 a multi-purpose helicopter S-70C-2 - a civilian version of the military UH-60 Black Hawk. As far as is known, some of these machines still remain in operation. In parallel with the use of imported equipment, there was a study of its design for the subsequent borrowing of developments.
In the nineties, the PRC leadership decided to develop its own helicopter with a take-off weight of approx. 10 t and flight performance at the S-70 / UH-60 level. Such a machine in the future was to go into service with the army aviation, air force and navy of the PLA, replacing obsolete models. For some time, the new helicopter development program was known as CMH. Later, the project was renamed to Z-20.
Design work was carried out immediately by several enterprises of the PRC. The research was carried out by the AVIC China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, the engineering tasks were solved by the enterprises of Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG) and Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC). The HAIG plant was chosen as the site for the construction of experimental and serial equipment.
The CMH / Z-20 project was based on the design of an imported S-70C-2 helicopter. In this case, it was not intended to simply copy someone else's sample. A number of basic layout and engineering solutions were borrowed from the Sikorsky brand car, while the main units and some aspects of the general scheme were created independently. In this regard, the Z-20 is similar to the S-70, but the carrier system has serious differences. Also, the difference is manifested in the composition of the power plant, instrumentation, etc.
Chinese innovations
Externally, the Chinese Z-20 helicopter is similar to the American "prototype". It has the same aerodynamic design and a similar large elongation fuselage with a characteristic low profile and large width. The layout, design of the main units, chassis, etc. are saved.
Chinese helicopter Sikorsky S-70C-2. Photo Plane-encyclopedia.com
Chinese engineers did not directly borrow the screws and developed their own products. Z-20 received a five-blade main rotor and four-blade steering. Screw bushings, apparently, were developed independently and based on existing experience.
The exact information on the engines of the Chinese helicopter has not yet been disclosed. The machine receives two turboshaft engines placed in gondolas on the sides of the fuselage. Between them is the main gearbox. Previously, unconfirmed reports appeared in foreign sources, according to which the experimental Z-20 were equipped with WZ-9 engines manufactured by the China National South Aviation Industry Company (CNSAIC). It has also been reported that production vehicles can get WZ-11 or WZ-16 engines from CNSAIC. What products are used on real serial samples is unknown.
In any case, the engine power reaches 2000-2100 hp, which allows you to get the required power ratio and provide the desired flight characteristics. It is noteworthy that in terms of engine power and corresponding potential the Z-20 helicopter is noticeably superior to the existing S-70C-2.
The complex of on-board equipment and controls is actually designed from scratch based on available systems. Especially for Z-20, a new remote control system has been created. Actual navigation and communication systems are also used, which compares favorably with the equipment of old imported equipment.
General view of the first prototype Z-20. Figure Airwar.ru
The rest of the Harbin Z-20 helicopter differs little from the older S-70C-2. It is intended for transporting people and goods. A volumetric cabin in the fuselage is provided for them; external suspension is possible. The helicopter is controlled by two pilots and can carry 10 people or comparable cargo.
If necessary, the Z-20 can solve combat missions, for which it receives weapons. In the openings of the side doors can be mounted machine gun installations. The suspension of blocks of unguided shells and cannon or machine-gun containers is also provided.
Helicopters in the air
The first prototype Z-20 helicopter was built at the end of 2013. Its first flight took place on December 23. The assembly of prototypes continued, and soon new machines came to the test. Since the fall of 2015, various sources reported the existence of five prototype helicopters. All of them performed flights, and with their help all the necessary activities were carried out.
Tests of prototypes and adjustment of serial production took several years. The first messages about the start of deliveries of equipment to the customer appeared only in the spring of this year. In May, the first photos of Z-20 helicopters with PLA identification marks and side numbers indicating operation in the combat unit were published. This equipment belongs to the 161-th air assault brigade of the Central zone of the combat command of the Chinese army.
Experienced helicopter in trials. Photo Airwar.ru
All this shows that mass production has been launched, and now Harbin Z-20 will be massively supplied to the troops. At the same time, according to the old Chinese tradition, the volume of orders, construction plans and the cost of equipment were not disclosed. Over the next years, these issues will have to rely solely on assumptions, estimates, and intelligence.
In all likelihood, the first batches of Z-20 helicopters will enter the army aviation and be distributed between various units and formations. The emergence of its own medium multi-purpose helicopter will allow you to independently re-equip parts with the necessary amount of equipment. However, such processes can drag on for several years - even if we are talking only about army aviation.
First of all, the Z-20 will be used as a vehicle for soldiers and cargo, which can also provide fire support. We should expect the appearance of a modification for naval aviation. It should be distinguished by anti-corrosion performance and have a different composition of equipment. Ship version of the Z-20 will be useful as a transport and as a carrier of anti-submarine systems.
Earlier, Chinese aircraft manufacturers talked about the fundamental possibility of creating an export modification of the helicopter. Such an option Z-20, having a fairly high performance and low price, should be of interest to developing countries. Possible customers were Pakistan, Iran, and other countries in Asia and Africa.
Original copy
Recent news Harbin Z-20 series production machines put an end to long-term stories development of a new multi-purpose mid-range helicopter. In addition, they clearly show the desires and capabilities of China in the construction of new aviation equipment, and also demonstrate the approaches used.
One of the machines operated by the 161 Air Assault Brigade. May 2019. Photo by Haohanfw.com
The Z-20 project is based on ideas and solutions borrowed from a foreign sample. They were processed and supplemented in accordance with their capabilities and competencies. The result was a “copy” of the existing helicopter, to some extent superior to the original. However, one should not forget about the big difference in the age of the two samples.
It should be noted that while China lags behind other countries in the field of medium multi-purpose helicopters. The main vehicles of this class in the army remain licensed copies of foreign models or fully imported equipment. The situation began to change only in recent years, with the advent of the Z-18 and Z-20 projects. Nevertheless, and they are based on foreign experience.
And yet, in the end, the PLA and other structures receive the necessary equipment with the required characteristics. A serious lag remains behind the leading countries of the world, but in the dynamics the situation looks positive. China is gradually gaining experience for the development and construction of all necessary aviation equipment, and the latest Z-20 serial helicopters confirm its success in this matter.
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