 | |
| Role | Large helicopter |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Aviation Industry Corporation of China |
The Advanced Heavy Lifter is a large helicopter project developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China.
| | |
| Role | Large helicopter |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Aviation Industry Corporation of China |
The Advanced Heavy Lifter is a large helicopter project developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China.
In 2009, Avic projected a 30 t (66,000 lb) civil Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL), likely also useful to the Chinese military. In 2014, the 6,000 kW (8,000 hp) Chinese WZ-20 was reportedly selected. In 2015, the joint project with Russian Helicopters grew to 38.2 t (84,000 lb), with a seven blade main rotor and a 5,700 m (18,700 ft) ceiling. In 2016, Avic took control, leaving Russian Helicopters as a supplier, presumably of the transmission. In 2018, maximum weight grew again to 42 t (93,000 lb). [1]
To power it, China will choose between the Ivchenko Progress D-136T manufactured by Ukraine’s Motor-Sich, powering the current Mi-26, and the Russian 12,000 hp (8,900 kW) PD-12V turboshaft developed from the Aviadvigatel PD-14 core for an updated Mi-26. After a $2 billion investment, AVIC hopes to produce 200. [2]
The 38.7 t (85,000 lb) takeoff weight and a 42 t (93,000 lb) MTOW allow for a 10 t (22,000 lb) internal payload or a 15 t (33,000 lb) external one. AVIC targets a range of 800 km (432 nmi), a cruise of 270 km/h (146 kn) and a 6,000 m (20,000 ft) ceiling. Design targets are closer to the Sikorsky CH-53K than the 56 t (123,000 lb) MTOW Russian Mil Mi-26. [2] The 39.9 t (88,000 lb) CH-53K is the largest US helicopter. [1]
Data from AIN online, 2018 [2]
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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