Why doesn't the Z-18 have any "bubble" windows? They are great for observation without opening windows or doors. I often see them on naval helicopters, perhaps that's why, so far we've only seen PLA samples of the Z-18. Still, don't see why they shouldn't have them even on ground-based versions.
Z-8 and Z-18 transport helicopter - family & versions
- Thread starter Costas 240GD
- Start date
You answered your own question. Bubble windows are often seen on naval aviation for search and rescue roles... And even then, they are not present on all naval helicopters. I believe the entire sea hawk family lack those spherical windows because they can just open their side door to peer out instead. It is usually the larger naval helicopters that aren't designed for long periods of open side doors (like merlin, CH-148, and Z-18F) that feature the spherical windows.
Most general utility transport helicopters lack the spherical windows, but, some versions of land based merlin also have the spherical windows, which goes to show that it really is up to the customers preference, and also that it is hardly an essential or even standard piece of equipment.
I think of more usefulness is the fact that Z-18A appears to have a multimode radar under its nose, which is typically reserved for helicopters that need to do SOF insertion and terrain following flight. That of course bodes well for Z-18A in that it makes the helicopter more multi role. I would be nice if they had a small FLIR ball on there as well, but a radar coming as standard on the basic utility/transport chopper is already more than most others can ask for.
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asif iqbal
Lieutenant General
I really like this helo and I wish that China had built these units like 10 years ago and today we would have had all those naval Z8 with comic nose cones equipped with these newer Z-18 helos
Let's hope they start some serious build of these units
Let's hope they start some serious build of these units
Better late than never, I think. Unfortunately, ten years ago China's helicopter industry was in pretty terrible shape. I think they've solved a lot of the issues for at least Z-18 production, like engines. They just need to spam them out now.
Z-18 will be essential for Army Aviation to suppelement Mi-17s and replace older Z-8s. The Z-18 also looks like a helicopter that will be great in the CSAR role once the PLA decides to commit to it.
But I think where Z-18 will truly shine is in naval aviation.
Z-18F will offer to PLAN one of the world's heaviest ASW helicopters, that they can field on aircraft carriers, LHAs, and large surface combatants. It will prove a massive leap forward compared to Z-9Cs and Ka-28. It is probably too much to expect Z-18F to provide the standard PLAN ASW helicopter, but it will almost definitely still be a successful product.
I also expect a navalized version of the Z-18A, as the PLAN's standard transport and air assault, utility helicopter. It might not be as flashy as MV-22, but it's got the legs and the muscle for a variety of missions. In future, hopefully we will see PLAN LPDs and LHAs loaded with navalized Z-18As as standard.
But it's probably unrealistic to expect Z-18s to fill every role in the PLAN, especially for ships with smaller hangars. I think that is where Z-20 comes in.
Assuming Z-20 has similar dimensions to H-60, I assume a navalized version should be similar in footprint to SH-60. We know the dimensions of a folded Ka-28 and Z-9C, which a folded SH-60 can fit in. So if a PLAN ship has a hangar big enough for a Ka-28 or Z-9, then it can probably fit a folded Z-20 as well.
This is important for the PLAN's older and smaller ships with smaller hangars (in other words, virtually every surface combatant prior to 055), because Z-20 is basically their only hope for a modern, medium weight ASW helicopter. Z-9Cs and Ka-28s are virtually already obsolete.
I expect a standard transport/utility version of Z-20 as well, akin to MH-60S, as a more nimble complement to the larger, naval Z-18A.
The fact is, production rates for Z-18 and Z-20 alone will probably not satisfy all the demands of army aviation, naval aviation, and air force, but if they produce both at the same time, operated in a high-low manner among all the services -- especially navy -- then they'll have a more flexible force to mix and match as they see fit.
Z-18 will be essential for Army Aviation to suppelement Mi-17s and replace older Z-8s. The Z-18 also looks like a helicopter that will be great in the CSAR role once the PLA decides to commit to it.
But I think where Z-18 will truly shine is in naval aviation.
Z-18F will offer to PLAN one of the world's heaviest ASW helicopters, that they can field on aircraft carriers, LHAs, and large surface combatants. It will prove a massive leap forward compared to Z-9Cs and Ka-28. It is probably too much to expect Z-18F to provide the standard PLAN ASW helicopter, but it will almost definitely still be a successful product.
I also expect a navalized version of the Z-18A, as the PLAN's standard transport and air assault, utility helicopter. It might not be as flashy as MV-22, but it's got the legs and the muscle for a variety of missions. In future, hopefully we will see PLAN LPDs and LHAs loaded with navalized Z-18As as standard.
But it's probably unrealistic to expect Z-18s to fill every role in the PLAN, especially for ships with smaller hangars. I think that is where Z-20 comes in.
Assuming Z-20 has similar dimensions to H-60, I assume a navalized version should be similar in footprint to SH-60. We know the dimensions of a folded Ka-28 and Z-9C, which a folded SH-60 can fit in. So if a PLAN ship has a hangar big enough for a Ka-28 or Z-9, then it can probably fit a folded Z-20 as well.
This is important for the PLAN's older and smaller ships with smaller hangars (in other words, virtually every surface combatant prior to 055), because Z-20 is basically their only hope for a modern, medium weight ASW helicopter. Z-9Cs and Ka-28s are virtually already obsolete.
I expect a standard transport/utility version of Z-20 as well, akin to MH-60S, as a more nimble complement to the larger, naval Z-18A.
The fact is, production rates for Z-18 and Z-20 alone will probably not satisfy all the demands of army aviation, naval aviation, and air force, but if they produce both at the same time, operated in a high-low manner among all the services -- especially navy -- then they'll have a more flexible force to mix and match as they see fit.
ladioussupp
Junior Member
According to this weibo master, the photo shows a terrain following radar mounted on Z-18A
Nice. Soon to be the modern helicopter workhorses of the PLA.
I suppose this picture just goes to confirm that Z-20 is a real thing, and that it has almost definitely been undergoing testing, only in relatively low profile.
I suppose this picture just goes to confirm that Z-20 is a real thing, and that it has almost definitely been undergoing testing, only in relatively low profile.
do you mean by the sloping down for naval version and flat for PLA version? Could be the satcom related.
Edited: they are apparently at Mohe in Heilongjiang province, which would explain why it looks so cold.
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