On the Chinese social network WEIBO, user Captain小潇 posted one of the first videos obtained of the Z-21, China’s new heavy attack helicopter.
The Z-21, the latest addition to China’s Z helicopter family, is a heavy attack helicopter under development for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Based on the design of the Z-20, which bears undeniable “similarities” to the U.S. Black Hawk, the Z-21 would employ its same powerplant and rotor system. It also shares a nearly identical tail section with the Z-20, but the fuselage is much thinner to adopt a tandem cockpit configuration. These features, along with its advanced armament, place the Z-21 in the same category as the U.S. AH-64 Apache or the Russian Mi-28 Havoc.
The distinctive side fairings, similar in shape to the AH-64, would house an extensive avionics suite, while providing enhanced crew protection. Antennas, sensors and effectors of the integrated self-defense suite, consisting of MAWS/LWR/ESM/ECM systems and chaff/flare launchers, are installed all along the helicopter fuselage to provide 360° coverage. Protection against the threat of infrared guided missiles would be reinforced by the installation of DIRCM laser defense systems on the wingtips.
According to the Chinese Military Aviation blog, in addition to the electro-optical detection and targeting systems housed in the nose, the Z-21 will integrate a millimeter-wave search and targeting radar on top of the rotor mast, also like the Apache and newer versions of the Havov.
重武直 https://t.co/z01gK1eN8g pic.twitter.com/TA3ZCysWZL
— お砂糖wsnbn (@sugar_wsnbn) September 17, 2024
The armament, housed in six underwing pylons, includes short-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-90 and even the modern PL-10, as well as anti-tank missiles and guided and unguided rockets. It also features a 23 mm automatic cannon under the fuselage.
Compared to the smaller Z-10, it is believed that the Z-21 (belonging to the 10t class of helicopters) would have better high-altitude performance and greater survivability, while being capable of carrying a heavier payload.
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Via Weibo@水雷屋 pic.twitter.com/0eCmUkUGZd— 乐子壬1号机 (@kt396) March 29, 2024
First flight is rumored to take place in January 2024. The Z-21 is expected to enter service in the next few years, offering the People’s Liberation Army (PLA or PLA) a versatile and highly capable strike platform.
