Z-8 and Z-18 transport helicopter - family & versions

[Deino]

Finally the first clear image of a PLAN Naval Aviation Z-8D (?) helicopter.

 

[Black Wolf]

Finally the first clear image of a PLAN Naval Aviation Z-8D (?) helicopter.

View attachment 158905

Is this Z-8D type in the league of AW101/Merlin HM Mk2 ?

 

[2=GT]

Z-18YJ

 

[ying1978]

 

[tphuang]

looks like someone comparing Z-18F to Z-18FA to Z-18FB. Note the engine changes from before to now. We have now gotten to the point where China's engine tech is ahead of what was available internationally 15 years ago.

 

[The Observer]

looks like someone comparing Z-18F to Z-18FA to Z-18FB. Note the engine changes from before to now. We have now gotten to the point where China's engine tech is ahead of what was available internationally 15 years ago.

View attachment 174351

How hard is it to reengine the older versions to Z-18FB standard?

Does it require all new mountings & gearbox?

 

[tphuang]

How hard is it to reengine the older versions to Z-18FB standard?

Does it require all new mountings & gearbox?

I'm not a mechanical engineer, but it would seem so. I asked DeepSeek and this is what it said. Can't vouch for all of this, but seems like mostly logical

Why a Simple "Plug-and-Play" Swap is Impossible​

Helicopter powerplants are highly integrated systems. Here are the key reasons a direct engine swap would not be feasible:

Requirement	Reason for Change
Physical Mounting Points	The engine's casing, physical dimensions, and center of gravity differ, requiring an entirely new mounting frame to secure the engine to the airframe.
Main Gearbox (MGB)	The MGB must reduce the engine's output speed, handle input speed, and torque values, all of which are unique to each engine. The existing gearbox would be incompatible with the new engine's output.
Drive Shaft Alignment	A new engine position necessitates a new drive shaft assembly to ensure the precise alignment for transmitting power to the main and tail rotors without destructive vibrations Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content! .
Aerodynamic & Structural Changes	New engines may require redesigned nacelles, air intakes, and exhausts, which alter the airframe's aerodynamics and structural loads.
Auxiliary Systems	Different engines have unique requirements for fuel, oil cooling, bleed air, and electrical power, demanding a new suite of support systems.
Vibration & Stress Profiles	Each engine creates a unique pattern of vibrations and structural stress. The airframe must be structurally reinforced to handle the new engine's specific profile and ensure safe operation Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content! .

I find the electrical power, cooling, bleed air and even fuel part to be very interesting and logical to me. it seems like you need a lot of changes and thorough testing. And it is actually a great time to increase power consumption on the on board system since all that Sur face search radar, ELINT antenna and obviously the sonar + on board processing would demand it.

 

[Totoro]

Does anyone have a source on WZ-7 engine? There's not a lot to be googled about it. I find it peculiar that the power output is basically the same as WZ-10's. Obviously, if it could fit, WZ-10 would be used on Z18 and no WZ7 would be needed. Which makes me wonder if WZ7 is somehow related to WZ10, perhaps using the same core somehow, yet re-engineered in such a way that it fits better as a 3 engine solution in a Z18. ?

 

[Deino]

Apparently for the first time naval Z-8L aka Z-8D model has been deployed on the PLANS-34 "Hubei" LHD. (Via @欧阳振我86468)

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Said to be a new Z-8 that is powered by WZ-7 turboshaft engines. Posted by @斯文的土匪--- on Weibo.

(yes, please ignore that headless guy to the right lmao)