Ok, The Z-21 looks like someone tried to make a Apache out of a black hawk frame. Makes sense from a logistics standpoint as the AH-1 cobra series of helicopters came from the Huey frame. Aesthetically it doesn't stand out from its competitors with isn't saying much as attack helicopters typically look ugly. Still curious as to why they decided to create this helicopter outside of reaching the 10t limit, it just looks very box standard design with little indication of innovations.
Z-21/Z-X heavy attack helicopter
- Thread starter siegecrossbow
- Start date
Z-21 is basically a generic contemporary attack helicopter configuration, and I suppose in that manner the AH-64 is a generic contemporary attack helicopter.
The whole point for having this helicopter is because prior to Z-21, the PLA doesn't have a proper heavyweight 10t attack helicopter, so Z-21 is able to bring a relatively low risk and logistically consistent solution, to fill this rather big glaring capability gap.
You know , it not even that bad in terms of esthetics if this is how it will end up looking .
It’s way too early to make such guesses. I do think it is safe to assume that a good chunk of the extra weight went into armor. Performance on the level of AH-64 would be reasonable: roughly 2 1/2 hours airborne fully loaded, before hitting reserve fuel indicator.
Man that nose does look hideous, kinda like pinocchio, truly the hallmark of a modern attack helicopter.
Edit: On reflection, more like a goblin shark.
Edit: On reflection, more like a goblin shark.
Latest image. It looks like the temporary frame structure has been removed from the nose.
Seems as if testing is progressing nicely and also it looks not the be the first prototype! The final looks almost like a 2 or even 3.