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

ansy1968

Brigadier
Registered Member
Another much clearer image of the Z-8X/AC313A iron-bird showing that the engine nacelle is very much different to the Z-8L.

(Image via 柳成梁/FB)

View attachment 80171

View attachment 80172


I must admit and even if I know all reports so far say, this is a civil variant, my feeling tells me, this is the next PLAN Marine Corps helicopter.
@Deino Sir from the photo a new engine? or using WZ10 the engine use for Z20 for commonality ? instead of 3 maybe 2? taking its que or inspiration from Sikorsky S92.
 

gelgoog

Brigadier
Registered Member
China has does a great job modernizing its helicopter designs. All they need now is to crank the production up.
This helicopter also has fly-by-wire like Z-20. Much more advanced than most of the current US helicopter fleet.
 

by78

General
Just a nice image.

51772919115_296702b3c4_k.jpg
 

Deino

Lieutenant General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
If I'm not mistaken, then this is not the AC313A static test airframe but the real PT01 prototype, which is using three WZ-10 engines.

Also interesting, according to a post by vincent at the CDF:

Interesting bits of info from 施佬

Z-8, Z-8A、J、JA、JH、S versions used WZ-6A engines (1640 horsepower)
  • Z-8K、KA、KH、WJS、B versions are using PT6B-67A engines (1448kw, 1968 horsepower), composite rotor blades, new avionics
  • Z-8G, L and various Z-18 versions are using PT6B-67A engines (1448kw, 1968 horsepower), redesigned fuselage, lots of composite material used, FADEC, upgraded avionics and reduction gears
  • AC313A is designed with WZ-10 engines (1600k, 2175 horsepower), different engine and reduction gears placements to improve power efficiencies.
  • Z-8C (for 075 LHDs) are equipped with WZ-6C
PLA is in the process of replacing existing fleet that use the PT6B-67A engine with WZ-6C engines to reduce dependency on foreign tech. WZ-6C’s power is about 10% less.

PT6B-67A gotten off existing fleet will be used for parts to support the Z-8G (高) and Z-8L fleet.

I was hoping Z-8L will be mass produced. Damn. PLAGF will have to wait for the completion of AC313A for the mass production of 13-ton class helicopters.

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(Image via 柳成梁/FB)

Z-8X AC3131A PT01 - 20220112.jpg
 
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