Z-20 (all variants) thread

TerraN_EmpirE

Tyrant King
Certainly no.
It's just kinda symbol of a 'modern-looking military helicopter', even when it isn't that much newer than mi-8(which looks cold warish even with a pointy nose).
Well Mi8 is a full decade older than S70. The closer in age would be the UH1. But it should be remembered that Hip, Huey and Blackhawk are all intended for different jobs. Hip is kinda a flying school bus, Blackhawk is a flying SUV and Huey is a flying jeep.
 

SinoSoldier

Colonel
At this point I think the most important project, from a PLA perspective, is the so-called EW Z-20 variant that was first spotted not too long ago in the form of a testbed. Not only will it provide critical over-the-horizon targeting solutions for long-range artillery and other vehicles, it will provide a critical EW screen against MANPADS, short-range SAMs, radars, or even AAMs. This would be a game changer in any scenario in which Z-20s are counted upon to ferry in troops or materiel to "hot" landing zones.
 

Gloire_bb

Captain
Registered Member
At this point I think the most important project, from a PLA perspective, is the so-called EW Z-20 variant that was first spotted not too long ago in the form of a testbed. Not only will it provide critical over-the-horizon targeting solutions for long-range artillery and other vehicles, it will provide a critical EW screen against MANPADS, short-range SAMs, radars, or even AAMs. This would be a game changer in any scenario in which Z-20s are counted upon to ferry in troops or materiel to "hot" landing zones.
EW helicopters don't affect most MANPADs in any way*. They won't silence short-range sams: even if they're radar-guided, when they're engaging - you're already at LOS within burn-through range = it's an omae wa mou shindeiru situation.

If coming under fire is unavoidable - the ways to get your troops to the landing zone are:
-forward AA sweep immediately before transport group;
-close-in helicopter screen;
-fitting all helicopters with self-defense suits.
-accepting that there will be casualties - CSAR on immediate standby(i.e. flying with the strike group itself).

Gostomel rush over Kiev reservoir and beyond is basically a full example of that type of operation.

EW helicopters work against tactical comms, datalinks&other sorts of tactical radars(counter-battery, intelligence). Which is probably more valuable than an escort helicopter jammer.

*other than those that are under central command - their datalinks are vulnerable of course, but this will 'only' degrade them to normal manpad level of (lack of) situational awareness.
 
Last edited:

TerraN_EmpirE

Tyrant King
Fighters today are more and more sophisticated with electo optics in multiple spectrums, passive and active radar systems, signature reduction, low probability of intercept data sharing beyond classic auto. Flight control interfaces by electric systems with both tactile and vocal interfaces. Emerging DIRCM.

Military aircraft of all types are starting to follow. But it’s not cheap. Choppers are generally cheaper than fighters but this equipment drives up cost and is often “Bolt on” robbing the platform of payload and speed and requiring fairly recent aircraft to mount them due to the high electrical costs with older aircraft having more simple electrical equipment.
 

tphuang

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
VIP Professional
Registered Member
Fighters today are more and more sophisticated with electo optics in multiple spectrums, passive and active radar systems, signature reduction, low probability of intercept data sharing beyond classic auto. Flight control interfaces by electric systems with both tactile and vocal interfaces. Emerging DIRCM.

Military aircraft of all types are starting to follow. But it’s not cheap. Choppers are generally cheaper than fighters but this equipment drives up cost and is often “Bolt on” robbing the platform of payload and speed and requiring fairly recent aircraft to mount them due to the high electrical costs with older aircraft having more simple electrical equipment.

Keep in mind that z20 has a lot of excessive power right now. And in the future, there will be more upgrades to wz10. Plenty of power for ew equipment and protection systems if they chose to install them.
 

by78

General
Self-explanatory.

51989705047_20b1dd559d_h.jpg
51990700851_427267020a_h.jpg
51990986444_b849f9601d_h.jpg
51990986464_0e3ae7d94b_h.jpg
51990700866_85dfc091cd_h.jpg
 
Top