Experts: China lowered the missile vulnerability of attack helicopter Z-10, unusually directing nozzles

The PLA introduced the latest version of its attack helicopter Z-10 with nozzles of an unusual configuration for him. They are directed up, and not to the side, as before. According to experts, as a result of this, the infrared signature of the machine is noticeably optimized, which makes it less vulnerable to defeat by the enemy.

As the Chinese publication The Global Times explains, the advanced Z-10 participated in the PLA military exercises on February 8, where it was “caught” in the frame. The new modification of the rotorcraft differs from the previous version by the directivity of the nozzle. According to military analysts, the new configuration can reduce the thermal footprint of a helicopter. As a result, infrared-guided missiles are less likely to pursue him, which will give a better chance of survival in battle.

However, this design also inevitably increases the drag force, increasing the power requirements of the helicopter engines, experts say. In this regard, they suggest that the latest version of the Z-10 has a more powerful power plant.

Analysts say that with high-power engines, the Z-10 is able to carry more protective armor plates, payload and can even be equipped with an additional millimeter-wave fire control radar. This radar can be installed in the upper part of the rotor to increase the attack range and increase the accuracy of fire. The Z-19 light attack helicopter, which was introduced in October last year, was equipped with a similar radar.

Comments

[Mountain shooter]

MANPADS missiles are getting smarter ... attacking the lead point, not the nozzle ... Yes, and the three-spectrum seeker leaves little chance of a helicopter pointing error. Here are the active defense systems ... Leading missiles away from the target.

[Vladimir_2U]

That's exactly what we have already done, ours on Mi-24 or Americans on Cobra, I don’t remember, but it didn’t. As far as I remember, the exhaust of course mixed more intensively, but the general visibility in the IR and thermal ranges, on the contrary, increased.

[Spektr]

Wait and see. Maybe "a hundred and a half-cass".

[Mountain shooter]

Recently shown. The laser shines directly on the rocket. The beam is modulated by some kind of signal ... And the rocket "takes away" to the side. I believe that both target acquisition and tracking are automatic. I would not be surprised if such a system can simultaneously fire on several missiles.

[Russian_man]

The stolen technologies are getting better, domestic arrogance has also grown stronger for a long time - at least fly to Mars alone. ... I think coronovirus does not solve this problem in any way now, it will be even worse. Interestingly, someone else notices this ...

[Thrifty]

Some helicopter came out ugly, awkwardly hunchbacked, as if a car was stooping. I personally will not like it!

[Nikolay R-PM]

and what is unusual in this placement of the EVU? before them, the similar arrangement of the EVU was one of the layout options for the MIU on the Mi-28A and is now used on the AW159.

[Zaurbek]

Here it is not ... just the exhaust was directed up and it mixes with the jet from the screw ...

[Nikolay R-PM]

you’re probably right and I’m mistaken that there is an EVU on this helicopter. then it is not clear to me if there is no EVU, and the temperature of the exhaust gases is not previously reduced by mixing with the surrounding air, and their flow rate does not decrease when passing through the EVU path, then hot gases will act on the rotor blades, and the velocity field in the plane of the screw will broken due to the impact of the jet.
How do you think?

[Zaurbek]

It reads:
The new modification of the rotorcraft differs from the previous version by the directivity of the nozzle. According to military analysts, the new configuration can reduce the thermal footprint of a helicopter.

However, this design also inevitably increases the drag force, increasing the power requirements of the helicopter engines, experts say. In this regard, they suggest that the latest version of the Z-10 has a more powerful power plant.

[Grigory_45]

The PLA introduced the latest version of its attack helicopter Z-10 with nozzles of an unusual configuration for him. They are directed up, and not to the side, as before. According to experts, as a result of this, the infrared signature of the machine is noticeably optimized.

the Chinese again issue what was done 40 years before them for know-how.
On the American Huey and Cobra (and, as far as I remember, on the Mi-24), the nozzles of the engines were also lifted a little up, so that the heat flux from the engines was actively mixed with cold air from the rotor, which ultimately reduced the heat signature of the device.