Changhe Z-18

Summary

Description

The Changhe Z-18, also designated Z-8G, is a medium-lift transport helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) as a successor to the Changhe/Harbin Z-8. It is a development of the Avicopter AC313 and Changhe/Harbin Z-8, both of which trace their lineage to the Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon.

The Z-18 incorporates a redesigned lower fuselage similar to the AC313, resulting in increased internal space. This design replaces the Z-8's boat-shaped lower fuselage with a tail ramp enabling the transport of small vehicles. The aircraft utilizes titanium and composites in its rotor blades and rotor system to a greater extent than its predecessors. It features a glass cockpit and is powered by three WZ-6C turboshaft engines. The Z-18 has a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tonnes.

The Z-18 transport variants are capable of carrying small vehicles or up to 5 tonnes of cargo to a range of up to 1000 km. Various configurations may include equipment such as nose-mounted weather radar and FLIR/TV turrets, terrain-following radar, SATCOM fairings, flare/chaff launchers, MAWS/RWR/LWR sensors, QJH001 machine guns, and ECM equipment. The Z-18F anti-submarine warfare variant is equipped with a chin-mounted surface search radar, dipping sonar, and can be armed with up to four Yu-7 ASW torpedoes or YJ-9 anti-ship missiles. It can also carry up to 32 sonobuoys. The Z-8L variant is distinguished by a wide-body fuselage and enlarged fuel sponsons, increasing the internal width of the load area to 2.4 meters.

The Z-18 has been in operational use with the People's Liberation Army Ground Force since January 2018, primarily the Z-18A transport variant. The Z-18A conducted high-altitude testing on the Tibetan Plateau in January 2015, achieving an altitude of 9,000 meters during these trials. The Z-18F anti-submarine warfare version was undergoing testing by the end of August 2014, reportedly for service with the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force.

Main Variants:

• Z-18: This is a naval transport variant equipped with a folding tail boom and rotor blades, featuring a nose-mounted weather radar and FLIR/TV turret for enhanced operational capabilities.

• Z-18A / Z-8G: This transport variant, expected to replace the Z-8A/B, is equipped with an extended nose housing a terrain-following radar, and includes multiple subvariants with different equipment configurations such as a SATCOM fairing, flare/chaff launchers, and ECM equipment.

• Z-8L: A transport variant distinguished by its wide-body fuselage and enlarged fuel sponsons, increasing the internal load area and featuring a nose-mounted terrain-following radar, along with various equipment configurations.

• Z-18F: The ASW variant is outfitted with a chin-mounted surface search radar and dipping sonar, and can carry up to four lightweight torpedoes and 32 sonobuoys for anti-submarine warfare missions.

• Z-18J: This AEW variant replaces the rear ramp with a lowerable radar antenna, providing airborne early warning capabilities with a radar range of 320 km.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	China	133

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

China