CAIC Z-11

History

The French-origin Eurocopter (Airbus) Ecureuil formed the basis for the relatively new Chinese designed and developed CAIC 'Z-11'. The Z-11 is a light utility helicopter designed for the military and civilian markets with a wide range of inherent capabilities.

It is similar in role and function to the American MD Helicopters MD Helicopters MD500 (Hughes 500) light series helicopter, which has proven to be the most popular worldwide (over 4,500 built).

The development of the Z-11 started in 1989 and required a high degree of reliance on CAD systems (in fact, the Z-11 is considered the first purely CAD/CAM designed Chinese helicopter). The prototype made its maiden flight on December 22, 1994, and by October 2000, the helicopter had completed the necessary testing and certification phases.

Introduced in September 1998, the Z-11 was built by Changhe Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIC).

When completed, the Z-11 will measure 11.25 meters in length, 10.7 meters in diameter (including rotors) and 3.15 meters in height. It has a kerb weight of 1,120kg and an MTOW of 2,200kg.

Power comes from a Chinese-built WZ-8D series turboshaft engine that produces 684 horsepower and drives a three-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor (set on the starboard side).

There are large windows in the front of the fuselage to provide a good view from the cockpit. Pilots board and disembark through car-style doors on the side of the fuselage. The passenger compartment is mounted behind the cockpit, and the engine compartment is mounted along the roof.

The landing gear has a simple dual slide assembly attached to the bottom of the aircraft at four points. The fin is thin and holds the drive shaft for the tail rotor.

The armed version of the helicopter is equipped with short wings for mounting variable weapons including anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). The location of the door is also equipped with a machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher (AGL) on a pivot mount.

Chin-mounted optics were also noted on these armed birds.

Several variants of the Z-11 basic design are planned, including the "Z-11" itself for the civilian market. The Z-11J is a militarized form modified for rigorous service. The Z-11W is an armed version designed for a variety of missions including reconnaissance, suppression and medical evacuation. The Z-11WA is a light reconnaissance platform.

The Z11MB1 uses the French Arriel 2B1A series engine. Z-11ME1 is another well-known variant. The CZ11W is a dedicated light attack variant with Chinese or French engines supporting the usual offensive weapons including missiles, rocket pods and cannon pods.

The Z-11WB is an attack reconnaissance platform with an all-new cockpit, weapons station and expanded mission equipment.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes