"The Chinese Z10 attack helicopter" Topic

"Pakistan seems to be interested in purchasing the Chinese Z10 attack helicopter. According to reports, three Z10 helicopters are expected to be included in Pakistan Army aviation fleet, which will be helpful in fighting terrorism in the country.

Pakistan showed interest in purchasing Z10 helicopters, sources said. The helicopter is capable of targeting the enemy within a range of 3 to 4 kilometers without coming in reader. It is also capable of targeting air and ground targets. The Z10 is armed with a 23mm cannon mounted under the nose. Two stub wings provide four stores stations for external ordnance. The main air-to-air missile deployed by the Z10 is the Ty-90, specifically designed for being used by helicopters in combat situation…"

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Amicalement
Armand

I'll admit it's a cool looking machine that bears a resemblance to the Eurocopter Tiger. It's probably not as effective though, but at least China's defense industry is gaining experience.

Pakistan seems to be China's sole customer. Maybe they'll expand into Africa.

'll admit it's a cool looking machine that bears a resemblance to the Eurocopter Tiger.

It was actually developed with assistance from Russia's Kamov.

In terms of effectiveness, at least it's avionics were developed to Western MIL-STD-1553B standards.

It is comparable to Tiger in terms of performance specs.

Only stating this to avoid usual allegations of Chinese rip off merchants.

Pakistan seems to be China's sole customer. Maybe they'll expand into Africa

China's market for combat aircraft has actually shrunk. They used to export to Albania, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, Zambia, Namibia, Nigeria as well as Pakistan.

These days only the Pakistanis regularly buy Chinese combat aircraft.

They're still managing to sell transports (Y-8) and trainers (K-8s)to a reasonably large number of customers. Some of the French licence production choppers also sell in reasonable numbers.

However modern Chinese export fighters are only being sold to Pakistan, especially after J-7 went out of production.

The market has shrunk a lot – fleets have shrunk and there's lots of ex-Warpac gear (MiG-29, Su-25 and Su-27) floating about.

I suspect the same will be with the helicopters. Mi-35 Hinds are still available in large numbers on export market both as new and second hand.

Z-10 will be too expensive for your average African or even Asian operator.

China also has another lighter attack helo that might offer greater sales opportunities – the Harbin Z-19.

Yeah, the Z-19 is the light/scout attack helo. They also have the Aerospatiale Dauphin-based Z-9:

From memory Z-9s have sold to Cambodia and a few other countries. But none have been armed versions as far as I know.

Z19 doesn't have a built-in gun, though. I know the Tiger has sold a few gunless versions (German), but those are now in line to be fitted with the Rheinmetall RMK30 recoilless autocannon.

So I don't think an attack helicopter without a gun is a viable seller.

Z19 is smaller than a Tiger or Z10 or AH-64. It's really an recce helicopter with attack capability. It's basically an uparmoured, upgunned OH-58D Kiowa or SA-342 Gazelle or Bo-105 and not a heavy gunship.

It can be equipped with guns but obviously that chews up a pylon.

Whereas the US/West favours multi-role, the Chinese seem to have stuck with role specific types.

The Russians are also going back to role specific with Mi-28 in pure attack helicopter role, Ka-52 in amphibious attack helicopter role (for Mistrals if they're ever delivered) and proposed Ka-60R for recce).

US is looking at divesting OH-58 fleet and having armed recce role go to AH-64.

The Z-19 appears to be comparable to the AH-1 Cobra series, at least up to the 'S' variant. I don't see why they can't move the optical sensor and put a mini-gun in its place under the chin.

If you leave the Z19 as a recon-only bird, I guess that works. The Japanese OH-1 "Ninja" recon chopper doesn't have a gun, but does have a similar weapons load to the Z19.

The problem is that militaries everywhere tend to use equipment for things it was not designed to do.

While I have read that the Huey Hogs were somewhat better than the Cobras for catching Charlie unaware (door gunners as opposed to the rocket pods), that seems to be more a matter of having the extra eyes than weapons.

US is looking at divesting OH-58 fleet and having armed recce role go to AH-64.

Might as well. Would allow the Apaches to go places and blow things up instead of having a Kiowa go places and yell for an Apache to come blow things up.

Glad to read from you again my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand