Harbin Z-20
Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation · People's Republic of China · first flew 2013 · transport aircraft
The Harbin Z-20 is China's indigenous medium utility helicopter, designed to fulfil the role previously occupied by the Sikorsky S-70C (commercial Black Hawk) in PLA service. It closely resembles the UH-60 Black Hawk in configuration and general performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.76 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Chinese medium utility helicopter resembling UH-60 Black Hawk
- Five-blade main rotor with canted tail rotor
- Retractable tricycle undercarriage
Strikingly similar in appearance to the UH-60 Black Hawk, with the same general fuselage shape, four-blade (PLA version: five-blade) main rotor, and T-tail with canted tail rotor; minor differences in engine cowling and rotor-head fairings.
Specifications
- The Harbin Z-20 has a length of 19.76 m (65 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.36 m (54 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 315 km/h (196 mph).
- Typical crew: 2, plus up to 20 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the 2000s to provide the People's Liberation Army with a domestically produced medium helicopter not subject to US export restrictions. The prototype flew in 2013 and the Z-20 entered service with the PLA Army Aviation Corps around 2019. It represents a significant advance in Chinese helicopter technology, although the degree of technical similarity to the Black Hawk has been a subject of international commentary.
Variants
Naval and specialized variants are reported to be in development; the initial variant is a standard utility/assault helicopter.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the People's Liberation Army Army Aviation Corps in utility transport and assault roles.
Related aircraft
- Harbin SH-5
- Harbin Y-11
- Harbin H-5
- Bombardier Challenger 350
- Shaanxi KJ-500
- Xian Y-20
- Bombardier Challenger 650
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