Changhe Z-18
Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation · China · first flew 2014 · helicopter
The Changhe Z-18 is a Chinese medium-to-heavy naval and transport helicopter developed for the People's Liberation Army Navy and Army Aviation Corps. It is broadly similar in configuration to the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, from which its lineage partly derives.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 20.27 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese medium-lift naval helicopter
- Triple-turboshaft similar in appearance to AS332 Super Puma
- Retractable undercarriage and folding rotor blades for shipboard stowage
A large helicopter with a five-blade main rotor, distinctive three-turboshaft installation above the cabin, boat-shaped underside with retractable wheels, and a tail rotor on the left side of the tail boom.
Specifications
- The Changhe Z-18 has a length of 20.27 m (67 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.9 m (62 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + up to 27 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the 2000s based on experience with the SA 321 Super Frelon, though the Z-18 is substantially redesigned with indigenous Chinese turboshaft engines and modern systems. The first flight occurred around 2014 and the type entered PLAN service to replace older helicopters on Type 071 amphibious assault ships.
Variants
The Z-18F is a naval anti-submarine variant; the Z-18A is the utility/transport version; both feature folding rotor blades for shipboard operation.
Where you'll see it
Serves with the People's Liberation Army Navy for shipborne anti-submarine warfare and with Army Aviation for troop transport and heavy utility work.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.