AC313 and Z-18 do not have a boat hull. IIRC that was part of the redesign from Z-8/Super Frelon.
Z-8 and Z-18 transport helicopter - family & versions
- Thread starter Costas 240GD
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AC313 and Z-18 do not have a boat hull. IIRC that was part of the redesign from Z-8/Super Frelon.
Dizasta1
Senior Member
It seems as though the AC-313s might be used in the civilian sector, exploration for natural resources would come into play. The rotorcraft certainly has a large amount of internal space for installation of systems which would have capability of scanning under earth and water. What do you guys think?
I still get the feeling that AC-313, by the looks of it (in the graph shown in post #276), should have a role in the military in some capacity. Unless of course the graph is wrong, or the size difference between Z-8L and AC-313 is superficial. Because from where I am looking at the graph, it tells me that AC-313s have greater cabin space than the Z-8Ls.
I still get the feeling that AC-313, by the looks of it (in the graph shown in post #276), should have a role in the military in some capacity. Unless of course the graph is wrong, or the size difference between Z-8L and AC-313 is superficial. Because from where I am looking at the graph, it tells me that AC-313s have greater cabin space than the Z-8Ls.
The AC313 is said to be predominantly used for personnel and/or cargo transportation, search & rescue, disaster relief, etc. And yes, resource exploration, too. Of course that would imply it can be used for some military applications.
I don't think the overall cabin space is necessarily too important, even if your feeling is true (it's possibly not). The wide body design of the Z-8L should have been optimized for carrying certain vehicles that the other Frelon-derived helicopters cannot - my bet's on the Lynx ATVs especially some of the weirder, larger variants.
MwRYum
Major
Most likely is that the AC-313 is the first iteration in the effort to fully modernise the Z-8, not just partially. Timeline and product wise, it's the first modern product they put out for a long time (considering their helicopter industry was for a long time not on the priority list). Showcasing that domestically can come up with modern designs, now they can get the state funding and project for the military.
Of course, it's to be seen if this new model indeed penned out and how long it will take for it to be debuted.
AC-313 probably have too much foreign components
MwRYum
Major
Not "probably" but "it is". Its choice of powerplant - P&W Canada PT6B-67A - means it's a strictly civilian platform.
However, it's like car companies put together a concept car to showcase their capabilities, AC-313 serves a similiar purpose - that they can design and manufacture modern models, even meet the military demands if the required primary and secondary systems can be sourced domestically.
Their helicopter industry got a huge boost in terms of funding post-Sichuan earthquake, highlighted their shortcomings in helicopters.
Fair to its name 'widebody'
asif iqbal
Lieutenant General
What’s the serial on that “P108X” ?