Z-8 and Z-18 transport helicopter - family & versions

Static display + close-ups

AC313A, an improved civilian variant of the Z-8. Bullet points are as follows:
- Optimized engine layout, reducing engine installation loss (?) by more than 3%.
- New high-performance engine with improved lifespan and performance.
- Can operate 200% longer when carrying an external load of five tons, with great-than-40% high-altitude carrying capacity.
- Implemented HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) and anti-icing system, improved safety, now capable of operating across all terrains and geographies.
- Better ease of maintenance, improved efficiency, reduced life-cycle cost.

This helo is over 10 years old

How many in operation

This is why I don’t get excited about new varients

New varients fly and for next 10 years nothing happens

But isn't this a civil variant of the Z-8L?

asif iqbal said:

This helo is over 10 years old

How many in operation

This is why I don’t get excited about new varients

New varients fly and for next 10 years nothing happens

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Don't lie, Asif, we all know you are a huge fan boy who screams in higher pitch than a girl. lol

Deino said:

But isn't this a civil variant of the Z-8L?

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The bullet points don't mention modifications to the fuselage. I can't judge by the graphic if it has a wider body. I think in reality AC313A might be a civilian version of Z-18, not Z-8.

One more.

(1600 × 1065)

Isn't this a new heli practically speaking? New engines, new air frame, new avionics etc?
Its totally redesigned off the French Super Frelon?

Hi all. I was wondering does anybody know how to tell the difference between the Z-8F and the Z-8K?

wairoa said:

Hi all. I was wondering does anybody know how to tell the difference between the Z-8F and the Z-8K?

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The Z-8K is a dedicated PLAAF SAR variant based on the older Z-8A, whereas the Z-8F is or better to say was the project designation for the improved variant, which became later the AC313 or Z-18 and as such the Z-18F is the ASW variant of that type.