That’s it. Heavy attack heli was Z-20 pro max…
Z-21/Z-X heavy attack helicopter
- Thread starter siegecrossbow
- Start date
That’s it. Heavy attack heli was Z-20 pro max…
If the heavy attack helicopter uses the same powerplant, drivetrain, and flight control as Z-20, that would actually be pretty good as an aircraft.
I can't quite tell from this angle, but I can't tell if the fuselage of this aircraft is that of a standard attack helicopter (i.e.: thinner, tandem cockpit), or if it's just a standard Z-20.
Larger version:
This below is a pic of a Z-20J with some wing pylons:
Some differences I note include the fuselage seems to be a bit narrower than a standard Z-20, and the engine compartments seem to protrude out more relative to the fuselage and are also a bit more angular.
And of course other minor details.
Needless to say, the picture may be doctored/CGI, but we've been awaiting for a heavy attack chopper for a while and the rumours we had for it was that it would be related to Z-20 in terms of powertrain, so further pictures should be awaited.
If this does turn out to be a new attack helicopter, it may be worth starting a new dedicated thread for it.
edit:
scaled between that new image and Z-20J image, based on rotor diameter
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Seems like it does use the same/similar powerplant as the Z-20, so no coaxial rotor as per some claimed in Weibo. The push propeller at the tail section looks unlikely to be the case, too.
Definitely not a SB-1 counterpart.
Now we just need a horizontal view of said new attack helicopter.
Some say there are two visions, the phototype of the more advance attack helicopter are still in building or remain highly confidential.
Indeed, if legit an interesting surprise even if rumours suggested something more radical!
And again indeed, if legit I think we should start a new thread.
Personally the idea of a coaxial +/- pusher prop helicopter being intended as an attack helicopter for induction seemed a bit odd to me, meanwhile there's always been a slight bubbling of the idea of a heavy attack helicopter based off the mature Z-20 propulsion and drive train (ala UH-1 to AH-1, or Z-9 to Z-19).
This isn't to say the coaxial +/- pusher prop helicopter doesn't also exist; but I wonder if it is more likely to be a tech demonstrator or something instead rather than a proper big boy heavy attack helicopter.
I think if we get a few more photos of this thing that look legit, and especially if credible individuals endorse its existence, then starting a new thread makes sense.
Some rough CGI on what the new attack helicopter could look like, based on what we saw so far. Either a Chinese Apache (more likely), or a slimmed-down-&-armed Z-20 (less likely). Made by @能量机动工作室 on Weibo.
Underneath view comparison of the AH-64 Apache (left) and the new Chinese heavy attack helicopter. Posted by @疯子白杨 on Weibo.
Underneath view comparison of the AH-64 Apache (left) and the new Chinese heavy attack helicopter. Posted by @疯子白杨 on Weibo.
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Not a great angle to differentiate from.
A side view is ultimately needed for final differentiation.