superdog
Junior Member
Looks like it's the Mohe Airport? If they stay there I expect more photos to come soon since it's a civilian airport with daily flight operations.
Z-8 and Z-18 transport helicopter - family & versions
- Thread starter Costas 240GD
- Start date
Jovian
Junior Member
Just throwing around a question...
Does the ... PRC government or PLA operates a fleet of VIP helicopters? Similar to how the US Marine operate the "Marine One"? Or, do the PRC government officials "traditionally" preferred the use of cars, trains and planes; perhaps given their (previous?) level of helicopter development (safety wise)?
Would be interesting if they do produce a VIP helo based on the AC313/Z-18.
Cheers,
Jovian
Does the ... PRC government or PLA operates a fleet of VIP helicopters? Similar to how the US Marine operate the "Marine One"? Or, do the PRC government officials "traditionally" preferred the use of cars, trains and planes; perhaps given their (previous?) level of helicopter development (safety wise)?
Would be interesting if they do produce a VIP helo based on the AC313/Z-18.
Cheers,
Jovian
Hmm ... already posted and discussed a bit last week (Tuesday) !
I think Super Pumas were used as VIP helicopters. Not sure if they are still active. Pictures are from 2005 Shenzhou-6 mission
That's 10 years ago, I hope they have moved on to newer equipment.
Jovian
Junior Member
Wow guys THANKS!
Just did a quick search on the net and noticed on Wikipedia that the PLAAF's Super Puma fleet of "VIP Transport" numbered "6+". I guess they are still in operational? Of cause that's from a Wikipedia page. Furthermore, noted that Mi-17/Mi-171 numbered also "6+": how many of the Mi-17/Mi-171 is the PLAAF currently operating (roughly)?
What I am wondering is this: are they (PLAAF) going to use the Z-18 in the roles currently being filled by the Mi-17/Mi-171, and the the Mil(s) being interim solution will they eventually be retired or sold off? A case of no point in having multiple types doing the same job and contributing to maintenance and spare parts issues. Is the Z-18 in the same class as the Mi-17/Mi-171 in the first place?
Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to get a slightly clearer picture on how the PLAAF intend to use the different classes of helicopters.
Many cheers,
Jovian
Just did a quick search on the net and noticed on Wikipedia that the PLAAF's Super Puma fleet of "VIP Transport" numbered "6+". I guess they are still in operational? Of cause that's from a Wikipedia page. Furthermore, noted that Mi-17/Mi-171 numbered also "6+": how many of the Mi-17/Mi-171 is the PLAAF currently operating (roughly)?
What I am wondering is this: are they (PLAAF) going to use the Z-18 in the roles currently being filled by the Mi-17/Mi-171, and the the Mil(s) being interim solution will they eventually be retired or sold off? A case of no point in having multiple types doing the same job and contributing to maintenance and spare parts issues. Is the Z-18 in the same class as the Mi-17/Mi-171 in the first place?
Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to get a slightly clearer picture on how the PLAAF intend to use the different classes of helicopters.
Many cheers,
Jovian