Z-8 and Z-18 transport helicopter - family & versions
- Thread starter Costas 240GD
- Start date
I don't see why they couldn't be fitted like this, but PLA hasn't shown them in that type of attack configuration. But take a look here in the Z-8 section:
This reports that a naval variant was planned by China to incorporate carrying anti-ship missiles (C-801). Obviously Z-8 has some pretty impressive lifting power.
This reports that a naval variant was planned by China to incorporate carrying anti-ship missiles (C-801). Obviously Z-8 has some pretty impressive lifting power.
Mounting weapons on the Z-8 won't be a good idea...the Z-8 itself is already a large bulky and slow flying machine, so putting it in attack roles would even increase its weight and vulnerability more.
The Z-8 serves fine unarmed, like the Pumas, Cougars and Commandos operated by European forces. However, I won't be surprised if it was cleared for machine guns and rockets...though like those Euro designs, the Z-8 assault transport would rarely carry these weapons.
The effectiveness of these weapons are also questionable especially on a large design like the Z-8.
The Z-8 serves fine unarmed, like the Pumas, Cougars and Commandos operated by European forces. However, I won't be surprised if it was cleared for machine guns and rockets...though like those Euro designs, the Z-8 assault transport would rarely carry these weapons.
The effectiveness of these weapons are also questionable especially on a large design like the Z-8.
Costas 240GD
Junior Member
Ok, got it. Thanks everyone!
Chinese Mi-17s, in the same weight class as Z-8, are modified to carry gun pods and rocket launchers. The original French Super Frelons were ordered by the PLAN, and the land transport version is only available in the last couple of years. I think it's just a matter of the manufactur not getting around to arming it yet. On the other hand, they might never get around to it.
Although not directly related to the Z-8 being a gunship, French Navy Super Frelons are designed to carry 2 Exocet ASMs or ASW torpedos. So carrying weapons isn't something new for the airframe.
Although not directly related to the Z-8 being a gunship, French Navy Super Frelons are designed to carry 2 Exocet ASMs or ASW torpedos. So carrying weapons isn't something new for the airframe.
Costas 240GD
Junior Member
So, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that we may see actual Z-8s in a similar configuration.
@Bueller: I have so far seen only rocket pods on chinese Mi-17s. But can they carry the indigenous 12,7mm HMG pod, the same one seen carried by Z-9 and SA-342 Gazelles? That pod, BTW, might also be a probable for the armed Z-8.
@Bueller: I have so far seen only rocket pods on chinese Mi-17s. But can they carry the indigenous 12,7mm HMG pod, the same one seen carried by Z-9 and SA-342 Gazelles? That pod, BTW, might also be a probable for the armed Z-8.
Costas 240GD
Junior Member
We'll just have to wait and see then...
