Changhe Z-11 Explained

The Changhe Z-11 is a light utility helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC). According to the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation website, it is claimed to be the first indigenously-designed helicopter in China. However, it is largely based on the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil.[1]

Development

The Z-11 project started in 1989 and the first flight was made in Dec 1994. In Oct 2000, test flights of Z-11 were completed. The chief designer of Z-11 is Mr. Wu Ximing (吴希明), who is also the chief designer of three other Chinese helicopters, including the Z-10. Under Mr. Wu, the Z-11 became the first Chinese helicopter to be completely designed using CAD/CAM techniques.[2]

The Z-11WB, the attack and reconnaissance variant, features pintle mount weapons and two weapon pylons on each side of the aircraft.[3] The engine is replaced by Turbomeca Arriel 2B1A turboshaft engine developing 632 kW (848 shp) of power.

Variants

Z-11: original unarmed version.
  • Z-11W: military version of the Z-11 (battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, ground attack, and medical evacuation roles)
  • Z-11WA: military reconnaissance and observation helicopter, fitted with a sensor pod.
  • Z-11MB1: civilian and commercial version fitted with French Arriel 2B1A engine
  • Z-11ME1: export civilian and commercial version.
  • CZ-11W: export light attack helicopter variation.[4] It is powered by one WZ-8D, LTS101-700D-2 or Arriel 2B1A turboshaft engine and is equipped with integrated avionics systems, antitank missiles, rockets and machine guns. The helicopter is fitted with a targeting sensor turret, and can carry four Chinese HJ-8 antitank missiles.[5]
  • Z-11WB: First flight on 28 September 2015. Officially unveiled at Zhuhai Airshow on 1 November 2016. Enhanced attack/reconnaissance variant with a new EO ball, redesigned cockpit, SW-6 UAV, and pylons for weapons. Its roles include ground support, attack, battlefield reconnaissance, command, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, and other tasks.[6] [7]

    • External links

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Z-11 light military transport helicopter . www.globalsecurity.org . 24 December 2019.
    2. Web site: Z11 . Military Today .
    3. Web site: Z-11WB . Military Today .
    4. Web site: CZ11W . China Chamber of Commerce .
    5. Web site: Z-11 helicopter variations . AirForceWorld.com . 2011-09-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110909122505/http://airforceworld.com/pla/z11-helicopter-china.htm . 9 September 2011 . dead .
    6. Web site: China's Z-11WB light helo takes first flight . 4 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151110073726/http://www.janes.com/article/55019/china-s-z-11wb-light-helo-takes-first-flight . 10 November 2015 . Janes . dead.
    7. Web site: Airshow China 2016: Z-11WB military helicopter makes official debut . 2 November 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161103133007/http://www.janes.com/article/65156/airshow-china-2016-z-11wb-military-helicopter-makes-official-debut . 3 November 2016 . Janes . dead .

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