CAIC Z-18

History of the CAIC Z-18

The Changhe Z-18 is a locally designed, developed and produced large multi-role/multi-role helicopter that provides a variety of capabilities to the Chinese military. This type is an offshoot of the relatively new AVICopter AC313 transport helicopter family, which is described (and therefore shares performance and structural data with) elsewhere on this website.

The Z-18 was selected by the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) to succeed their fleet of Z-8 helicopters at the Aerospatiale SA321 "Super Frelon" in France. It typically assumes a maritime/surface role, but also offers Army land-based variants (such as the "Z-8G").

The Z-18 currently exists in four main recognized forms: The Z-18 is used to designate the basic maritime form, accommodates FLIR/TV and enhanced communications, and is powered by WZ-6C series turboshaft engines. Z-18F is used to represent a dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform equipped with surface search radar, dive sonar capability, sonar cloth support and torpedo, anti-ship missile and mine dispensers.

The Z-18J is an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) variant carrying a locally designed and developed multimode Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar unit. The Z-8G is a variant of the Chinese Army with a unique nose assembly with terrain-following radar for Nap on Earth (NOE) flight.

It also features an electro-optical (EO) sensor system in a small powered turret.

Currently, the Z-18 series is in service with the Chinese Navy's small carrier fleet, while the Army version entered service around January 2018.

In addition to patrol and assault missions, the Z-18 can also perform search and rescue (SAR), VIP personnel transport and medical evacuation when required.

Specification

Foundation

Year of Service

2018

Origins

China

Status

Active.

Crew

3

Production

24

Manufacturer

AVICopter (Changhe Aircraft Industry Corporation - CAIC) - China

Carrier

China

Roles

Special Mission: Airborne Early Warning (AEW)

A specially equipped platform that provides command and control (C2) capabilities to Allied air forces on the battlefield.

Special Mission: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

Can search, track and attack enemy underwater elements using special equipment and weapons on board.

Special Mission: Anti-ship

Equipped to find, track, and attack enemy surface elements through visual acquisition, radar support, and ship-based weapons.

Special Mission: Electronic Warfare (EW)

Ability to actively deny adversaries electromagnetic (EM) spectrum and protect that spectrum for allied forces.

Special mission: MEDEVAC

Extraction of wounded combat or civilian elements using specialized shipboard equipment and available internal volume or external carrying capacity.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Transportation

General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

VIP Service

Used in the VIP (Very Important Person) passenger role, usually with above-average amenities and luxury as standard.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

75.6 feet

(23.05m)

Width/span

62. 2 feet

(18.95m)

Height

21.8 feet

(6.65m)

Cured weight

15,432 lbs

(7,000 kg)

MTOW

29,762 lbs

(13,500 kg)

Wgt Difference

+?14,330

(+6,500 kg)

Performance

Installed:

3 x WZ-6C turboshaft engines, each producing 1,570 hp, driving a 6-bladed main rotor and a 5-bladed tail rotor.

Maximum speed

155 km/h

(250 km/h | 135 kn)

Maximum

10,335 feet

(3,150 m | 2 km)

Area

652 km

(1,050 km | 1,945 nautical miles)

rate of climb

1,315 ft/min

(401 m/min)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: < 614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

ARMAMENT

Dependent upon operating model. Maritime combat forms equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and naval mine dispensers.