헬리콥터 중국, Z-20 무장헬기 버전 노출

[위종민]

중국산 블랙호크라고 할 수 있는 Z-20의 무장헬기 버전이 공개됐네요. 서부전구 76육군항공여단 소속이었고, 스터브윙에 하드 포인트가 날개당 2개씩 달려있는 것 같습니다. Z-20W라고도 불린다네요. 

New assault helicopter spotted in China (defence-blog.com)

New assault helicopter spotted in China

NEWSAVIATION

ByDylan Malyasov

Jul 28, 2024

Modified date: Jul 28, 2024

The armed variant of China’s Z-20 helicopter, sometimes referred to as the Z-20W, has been observed again, this time with the 76th Group Army, also known as the 76th Army Aviation Brigade, Western Theater Command.

This sighting suggests that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may have inducted an assault version of the helicopter.

A recently published image shows a Harbin Z-20 equipped with high-mounted stub wings for weapons. The photograph revealed two Z-20 helicopters at the airfield, with one aircraft notably outfitted with the stub wings, each featuring two possible underwing hardpoints.

The armed Z-20 variant - sometimes called Z-20W - was seen again, this time assigned to the 76th Group Army, aka the 76th Army Aviation Brigade, Western Theater Command (LH971cxx).

(Images via @沉默的山羊 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/GJUbolxVwg

— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) July 25, 2024

This new variant, tentatively designated as the Z-20W by Chinese military observers, appears to have been in development for several years. In December 2020, a similarly configured Z-20 was seen undergoing flight-testing, armed with four KD-9 or possibly KD-10 anti-tank guided missiles and one rocket pod under each wing stub. However, that version did not include an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) pod in the nose.

The Z-20 is a versatile utility platform, and the development of an armed variant is a logical progression. This configuration can provide escort capabilities for the base version during armed assault missions, enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of the PLA’s aviation units.

Deng Jinghui, chief designer of the helicopter, mentioned in a 2022 interview with China Central Television that the Z-20 could receive further upgrades, including the potential for aerial refueling capabilities. This would significantly extend the operational range and flexibility of the Z-20, solidifying its role in the PLA’s strategic and tactical operations.

The Z-20W armed variant’s development aligns with the PLA’s strategic objectives, providing a robust platform for a variety of mission profiles, from troop transport to close air support and armed reconnaissance.

[강준구]

형상은 블랙호크를 따라했는데, 핵심은 엔진이 그 만큼 좋은가..일 것 같습니다.

[위종민]

출력이 아니라 신뢰성이 문제일 텐데, 사실 블랙호크는 등장한지 40년도 넘었고, T700 계열 엔진은 50년이 넘은 놈인데 이걸 이제야 카피했다는 게 의아하기도 하고 그렇습니다. 헬기엔 그닥 지원을 안 하는 건지..

[강준구]

고고도 출력도 꽤 중요한 이슈가 아닐까 합니다. 그래서 자꾸 미제를 베낄려고 하는거라고 들어서요.

[ssn688]

블랙호크 따라하기는 중국의 포지션이 바뀌면서 생긴 변화가 아닐까 싶습니다. 이전의 기동헬기는 러시아제나 유로콥터 합작이었는데, 중국이 강대국으로 부상하면서 해외로 전력투사를 요구함에 따라서 전개능력에 유리한 형상을 추구하게 되고, 결국 블랙호크를 따라하지 않았나 싶네요. Y-20 수송기 도입과 맞물린다고나 할까요...

[위종민]

형상 하니 생각나는게 새로 옮긴 근무처가 비행안전제3구역(전술) 규제지구 안이라서 비행중인 고정익, 회전익기를 뻔질나게 보는데, 정면이나 정측면 사진을 봤을 땐 넙데데해보이던 블랙호크를 아래에서 보니 의외로 종횡비가 꽤 긴, 날씬한 형태더라구요 ㅎㅎㅎ /