Z-20 (all variants) thread

Hendrik_2000

Lieutenant General
Z-20 helicopter to be deployed in Tibet, analysts predict
By Liu Xuanzun Source:Global Times Published: 2018/8/29 21:43:41
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As new photos of China's in-development Z-20 utility helicopter trend on Chinese online military forums, analysts said on Wednesday that the helicopter would appear at a November air show and replace the imported UH-60 Blackhawk to be deployed in Tibet.

Photos showing the Z-20 taking off and flying appeared on Chinese social media and military forums, Sina Military reported on Monday.

The Z-20 is a newly developed 10-ton medium-lift utility helicopter, which will fill the gap between light and heavy helicopters, Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

As a utility helicopter, it will have different versions to adapt to different terrains and weather, and is expected to be used by both ground forces and the navy, Song said.

The Z-20 can serve as a shipboard helicopter on China's aircraft carriers and destroyers.

The Z-20 is also likely to be deployed on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as it is designed to deal with problems caused by high elevation including lack of oxygen, Song noted.

China bought the UH-60 Blackhawk from the US in the 1980s to carry out military missions in Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, and the Z-20 with new technologies will be a better choice in the future, he said.

Chinese military fans are eager to see the Z-20 enter military service as soon as possible following other 20 series aircraft. The J-20, a stealth fighter jet, and the Y-20, a military transport aircraft, were commissioned in 2017 and 2016 respectively.

"The Z-20 is very likely to make its appearance at the
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in South China's Guangdong Province in November," Song said.


A small number of helicopters are already in experimental service and the Z-20 is expected to enter mass production soon, he said.

The Z-20 is not a copycat of UH-60 Blackhawk, China's military analysts stressed.

The US did not give China core technology and it is impossible for China to copy the Blackhawk without a blueprint, Song said. Even though there may be resemblances in terms of appearance, the avionics and power systems are totally different, he said.
 

by78

General
Another angle...

(1800 x 1200)
44588567632_4bd6c5a454_o.jpg
 
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TerraN_EmpirE

Tyrant King
Check this

Naval Z-20?

SzJgBYm.jpg
This image is sending mixed messages. It's trying to flirt with you and yet it turns down dinner in the same breath.
I mean it's I think trying to show off an emergency flotation system. But the cockpit windscreen and Windows are pixilated?
If it's "real" there should be air intakes for the engines. If a mock up than whatever we see in the cabin was approved for release.
The nose seems more Z15 but the cabin is not. The super structure is also unique.
 

TerraN_EmpirE

Tyrant King
Ah so internally the Z20 is quite different? If thats so, you are right, licensing isn't an issue...

Weird question: Was the Z20, initially, built for Army or Naval forces in mind? In my readings on PLA helicopters, it seems they are trying to find a 'perfect' helicopter for high altitude operations, along with the capability to be interoperable with their PLAN ships - something the Z-18 cant do as of now? So, is it correct to presume that the Z20 was initially for Army/Air Force, but with a focus on SCS, it is going towards a direction of PLAN capable ASW (or even ASuW) helos?
I think the main driver for Z20 was Army. To replace the aging S70s the Chinese bought way back in the short lived U.S. PRC detaunt. After the Tienimen event the situation changed and the U.S. embargo of military technologies came in against the PRC.
The S70 proved one of the best choppers for operations in the highlands of the Hindu kush range available to the PLA. The same has held true for the U.S. Army where Blackhawk has proven the second best choppers for that environment in the aviation community second only to the CH47 Chinnok.

The issue with Z18 is mostly size. It's based off the Z8 which in turn is based off the French Super Frelon. These designs sit at the edge of a heavy lift helicopter they take up tomuch deck for Destroyers and frigates. Which have a limited hanger space compared to a LHA/LHD or what the Russians classify as a " Universal Landing ship" and a CV type.
Although they in a naval role could be landed on the deck of an escort they couldn't really be organic to it because they were just to big for repair and maintenance aboard ship. They can only be strapped to the helipad exposed to weather (and radar in the age of stealthy naval designs)
Now around the world when Super Frelon was new ( 60s-70s )it was quickly realized that they could build a smaller lighter and faster chopper complete with all the ASW and ASuW capacity.
This lead to the SeaSprite and the LAMPS concept Light Airborne Multi Purpose Systems. A smaller medium lift helicopter that could for ASW could be organic to a escort. A hanger could be added to a destroyer or cruiser even a frigate for a smaller chopper. By the early 80s the Seahawk was starting to come together. The Chinese were courting two helicopters with the potential for being there LAMPS. From The U.S. the S70 Blackhawk and From the French the AS365N. The Chinese licences the later and bought 24 of the former with options for 100 More. Then came the 1989 protest and the crackdown by the PRC.
The US put up the Embargo and the PRC was blocked by it from buying S70s. The Chinese still had contacts with the French who sold and licensed AS365N which became the Z9 and eventually became the basis of a LAMPS like Z9C.
Basically they already have a Choppers organic to the fleet, Z9.
The question is what is the next generation? Is it Z20 or something else?
As I see it right now they seem to be waiting. That might mean that they are looking to Z20 or it might mean they just don't feel the need right now.
I suspect that in the background they are working on the equipment they will use for there next Naval LAMPS and when they feel confident in that equipment they will outfit Z15 and Z20 to trial it and see which matches there needs better.
But that's my opinion.
 

goat89

New Member
Registered Member
...
The question is what is the next generation? Is it Z20 or something else?
As I see it right now they seem to be waiting. That might mean that they are looking to Z20 or it might mean they just don't feel the need right now.
I suspect that in the background they are working on the equipment they will use for there next Naval LAMPS and when they feel confident in that equipment they will outfit Z15 and Z20 to trial it and see which matches there needs better.
But that's my opinion.
Interesting thoughts Terran. I always considered the Z20 the next gen helo for the PLA, but to think that there might be another 1 in the not so far future is something to consider... However I do feel that we will see a Z20 in PLAN service, especially with the Z9 getting old? I wonder what naval upgrades they can discern from lessons learned from the Z9.
 

gelgoog

Brigadier
Registered Member
The Blackhawk dates back from the late 1970s. It is still in use in the USA today but it is kinda underwhelming really. It cannot operate at the highest altitudes in Afghanistan. This Z-20 does seem to have some upgrades though. More rotor wing area and perhaps more engine power so it should work better at altitude.

I suppose this does use new materials and construction methods. I guess it's way better in terms of performance than what they used to have but still...
I think the major gap will be in the heavy helicopter area. They have nothing home built which can compete with either the Chinook or the CH-53K. Both of which would be nice to have when conducting airborne troop assaults.
 
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