Changhe Z-11

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Z-11
Changhe Z-11WB, Zhuhai-Jinwan 4th November 2016 (31829381252).jpg
A Changhe Z-11WB on display at the 2016 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.
General information
TypeLight utility helicopter
National origin China
Manufacturer Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation
StatusActive, In production
Primary user People's Liberation Army Ground Force
History
Manufactured1994-present
Introduction dateSeptember 1998
First flight22 December 1994
Developed from Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil

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]

Contents

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. [4]

Variants

Z-11
original unarmed version.
Z-11W
military version of the Z-11 (battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, ground attack, and medical evacuation roles) [2]
Z-11WA
military reconnaissance and observation helicopter, fitted with a sensor pod. [2]
Z-11MB1
civilian and commercial version fitted with French Arriel 2B1A engine [5]
Z-11ME1
export civilian and commercial version.
CZ-11W
export light attack helicopter variation. [6] 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]
Avicopter AC311
Multi-role civilian helicopter. Developed from earlier Z-11 models, featuring a redesigned airframe, cockpit, tail, a Honeywell LTS101-700D-2 engine, and other subsystems. 2 crew and four passengers. Maiden flight in 2011. [7] [8]
Avicopter AC311A
Multi-role civilian helicopter. Developed from AC311, featuring a redesigned main rotor and other improvements, a license-built Arriel 2B1A turboshaft engine. Maiden flight in 2013. [8]
Z-11WB
Attack/reconnaissance helicopter developed from the AC311 platform. [9] The first flight was 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. [10] [4]

Operators

Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China

Specifications (Z-11J)

Data fromJane's All The World's Aircraft 2010–2011 [12]

General characteristics

13.01 m (43 ft) with rotors turning
450 kW (603 hp) max. continuous
350 kW (469 hp) cruise

(can also fit Honeywell LTS101-700D-2 and Turbomeca Arriel 2B1A turboshaft engine)

Performance

Armament

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ↑ "Z-11 light military transport helicopter". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 "Z11". Military Today.[ dead link ]
  3. ↑ "Z-11WB". Military Today.[ dead link ]
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Airshow China 2016: Z-11WB military helicopter makes official debut". Janes. 2 November 2016. Archived from the original on 3 November 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Z-11 helicopter variations". AirForceWorld.com. Archived from the original on 9 September 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-12.
  6. ↑ "CZ11W". China Chamber of Commerce.
  7. ↑ "Z-11WB".
  8. 1 2 "Z-11WB". militaryfactory.
  9. 1 2 "KVD-002 UCAV strengthens PLAGF's airborne ISR capability". Janes. 3 October 2023.
  10. ↑ "China's Z-11WB light helo takes first flight". Janes. 4 October 2015. Archived from the original on 10 November 2015.
  11. ↑ ""吉祥鸟"AC311助力吉安特警空中索降训练". The Paper. 2024-06-05.
  12. ↑ Jackson, Paul, ed. (2010). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010-11 (101st ed.). London: Jane's Information Group. pp. 111–112. ISBN   978-0710629166.
  13. ↑ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
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