Chinese-European transport helo project

i have not seen any recent new developments on production of the AC313, alot of advertising was done when it first flew but since then no pics or information has surfaced regarding its actual production

i mean it was based on a 1970s design so it could be that AC313 was just a testbed for a new 10 ton helicopter that China is planning, it will fit somewhere between the Z15 and Z8

6-7 ton Z15
10 ton medium lift
13 ton AC313
20 ton heavy lift

thats a good combination

Re: China's transport, tanker & heavy lift aircraft

why didnt China order the Mil Mi-38, its much more modern and advanced than ancient Mi 171

For one thing The Mi38 is not yet in production. China Is looking for Helicopters now not seven years from now.

6月28日，中航工业直升机AC313、AC311两型直升机适航取证党员突击队在昌飞宣誓成立。AC313总设计师徐朝梁带领中航工业直升机、昌飞、直升机所、驻厂军代表室、陆航试飞大队领导、AC313、AC311型机适航取证党员突击队队员等200余人共同宣誓：我们是光荣的突击队员！蓝天使命，责无旁贷；航空报国，勇于担当！坚决做到最艰苦的担子我们挑，最紧急的关头我们上，最困难的时刻我们在！保证完成适航取证和型号研制任务，让直升机飞得更高，飞得更远！仪式上，中航直升机分党组书记郑强为AC313、AC311两型机队长授旗。李蓉　摄影报道

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An article on AC311 and AC313 forming teams to pass air worthiness test.

WZ-11 scout helicopter

New WZ-11 Helicopter


China's WZ-11 scout helicopter (comparable to U.S. OH-58D Kiowa)









"The [Z-11W armed variant] helicopter employs an optical TV/IR sight mounted on the roof of the cockpit, and has weapon pylons for four HJ-8 anti-tank missiles or four unguided rocket pods. The helicopter made its maiden flight on 27 December 2004. The Z-11W was designed for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, ground attack, and medical evacuation roles. The helicopter is thought to be comparable in general performance and missions to the U.S. OH-58D Kiowa."

[Note: Thank you to Lankan Ranger for the pictures.]

"The Zhi-11 (Z-11) is the lightweight utility helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province. The helicopter is [based on] the French AS 350B Squirrel." I didn't want to start a new thread and decided to put the post in here.

Somebody must have sense of humor putting that bald eagle on it.

The AS350 Écureuil is much, much smaller than a Kiowa - a lightweight helicopter, as the text says, good for basic training.

AS 350 is taller and heavier than Kiowa

franco-russe said:

The AS350 Écureuil is much, much smaller than a Kiowa - a lightweight helicopter, as the text says, good for basic training.

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I do not agree. The AS 350 is taller and heavier than the Kiowa.


"Height: 3.14 m (10 ft 3½ in)
...
Empty weight: 1,174 kg (2,588 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)"


"Height: 9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Empty weight: 1,583 lb (718 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)"

Re: AS 350 is taller and heavier than Kiowa

Martian said:

I do not agree. The AS 350 is taller and heavier than the Kiowa.

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"Height: 3.14 m (10 ft 3½ in)
...
Empty weight: 1,174 kg (2,588 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)"

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

"Height: 9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Empty weight: 1,583 lb (718 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)"

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that's for the A version I think. For the D version, the kiowa warrior is a good deal heavier.

Besides I think the PLA didn't go for the WZ-11, instead going for a WZ-9 variant for their scout helicopter.

The moment I had sent my post, I realised I was sticking my neck without first having checked facts. Let me say that the Kiowa LOOKS bigger than the Écureuil. I would think that the French equivalent of the Kiowa is the Gazelle.

Whatever this may be, I think there is no likelihood that the PLA would form anything like the reconnaissance squadrons (= battalions) with 30 OH-58 that most US divisional combat aviation brigades have. The Z-11 is in fact used for training in the PLA Army Aviation.