Harbin Z-21

The Harbin Z-21 (Chinese: 直-21) is a type of heavy-weight, twin-turboshaft, attack helicopters based on the Harbin Z-20 airframe. Produced by the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG), the helicopter was first observed in China in March 2024.[1] The United States Army University estimated that Z-21 would be inducted to the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) service in around late 2027.[2]

Description

The Z-21 has a tail section and rotor configuration similar to the Harbin Z-20, but with a thinner fuselage. A tandem cockpit replaces the side-by-side seating cockpit on the original. In front of the cockpit, an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret is fitted, while an autocannon is mounted below. A cheek fairing is added for additional ammunition and avionics. A millimeter-wave (mmW) radar is mounted on top of the rotor mast, with VHF/UHF communication antennas, satellite communication antennas, laser warning receivers (LWR), radar warning receivers (RWR), and a missile approach warning system (MAWS) mounted around the fuselage. The helicopter is fitted with two WZ-10 engines, rated at 1,790 kW (2,400 shp) each with the exhaust direction changed to upward-facing to reduce the infrared signature.[3][4]

According to Janes Information Services, at an estimated maximum takeoff weight of 10–12 t (22,000–26,000 lb) (in the same class as the AH-64E Apache and the Mi-28),[3] The heavy-weight Z-21 allows the airframe to provide better protection and heavier payload than China's previous Changhe Z-10 helicopters, complementing the latter. Four hard points are fitted under the stub wings, while two more are mounted on the wingtips, for a total of six, which is more than the four hardpoints on the Z-10.[3][4][5] Other than the stub wings, the Z-21 features hardpoints underneath the fuselage for carrying external fuel tanks, exntending the helicopter's range and on station endurance, which would be critical in an contested environment without forward arming and refuelling point (FARP).[2]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ↑ Newdick, Thomas (21 March 2024). "China's New Heavy Attack Helicopter Spotted For The First Time (Updated)". The War Zone.
  2. 1 2 Camarena, Joaquin (5 June 2026). "The Z-21's External Fuel Tanks Expand the PLAA's Planning Options for Helicopter Missions". Army University.
  3. 1 2 3 Kadidal, Akhil (28 March 2024). "New Chinese attack helicopter in development". Janes.
  4. 1 2 Roblin, Sébastien (22 October 2024). "America's AH-64 Apache Is One of the World's Deadliest Helicopters—And China Just Made Its Own Copy". Popular Mechanics.
  5. ↑ D'Urso, Stefano (30 March 2024). "First Clear Photos Of China's New Z-21 Attack Helicopter (With Striking Resemblance To AH-64)". The Aviationist.
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