Changhe Z-10
Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation · People's Republic of China · first flew 2003 · helicopter
The Changhe Z-10 is China's first purpose-designed attack helicopter, combining a tandem-seat cockpit with stub-wing weapon pylons to provide the People's Liberation Army Army Aviation Corps with a dedicated anti-armour and fire-support platform.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese dedicated attack helicopter in tandem cockpit layout
- Five-blade main rotor with stub wings for anti-tank missiles
- Stepped tandem crew positions — gunner forward, pilot aft
Resembles a scaled-down version of the AH-64 Apache or Tiger in general layout, with tandem cockpits, a chin-mounted gun, four-bladed main rotor, and fixed stub wings for eight anti-tank missiles.
Specifications
- The Changhe Z-10 has a length of 14.2 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the late 1990s with reported assistance from Kamov engineers; the prototype first flew in April 2003 and the Z-10 entered PLA service around 2012 following a protracted development and engine-selection process.
Variants
The Z-10ME is an export-optimised variant with upgraded avionics; the baseline Z-10 serves in multiple PLAAC units across China.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the People's Liberation Army Army Aviation Corps; no export sales confirmed as of 2025.
Related aircraft
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