Harbin Z-9 Haitun

Summary

Category	Helicopter
Origin country	🇨🇳 China
First flight	1 January 1981
Year of introduction	1994
Number produced	200 units

Description

The Z-9 Haitun is a multi-purpose utility helicopter originally produced by the Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation of China. It's essentially a licensed variant of the French Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. The Z-9 was introduced in the late 1980s and has been adapted into various roles, including search and rescue, troop transport, and anti-submarine warfare.

The development of the Z-9 Haitun was made possible through a licensing agreement with France's Aérospatiale, the original manufacturer of the AS365 Dauphin. The Chinese engineers adapted the design to suit specific operational requirements and local manufacturing conditions. The Z-9 features a fenestron tail rotor, which is one of its defining characteristics inherited from the Dauphin. Over time, the helicopter has undergone multiple upgrades to its avionics, engines, and armament to meet evolving needs.

While the initial versions were quite similar to the original AS365, later iterations, like the Z-9W and Z-9WA, have displayed more significant indigenous input. These versions have seen enhancements in night-fighting capabilities, added weapon hardpoints, and improved avionics. The helicopter uses a pair of turboshaft engines and has a spacious cabin, making it adaptable to roles ranging from medical evacuation to anti-submarine warfare.

Armament

The Z-9 has been adapted into various armed versions, most notably the Z-9W and Z-9WA, which are equipped for combat roles. These variants come with weapon hardpoints capable of carrying a mix of anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, and machine guns. Specifically, the Z-9W and Z-9WA can be armed with HJ-8 anti-tank guided missiles, TY-90 air-to-air missiles, and 57mm or 90mm rocket pods. Some versions also feature a nose-mounted 23mm autocannon for close air support.

In anti-submarine warfare configurations, the Z-9 can carry lightweight torpedoes and depth charges. The helicopter's avionics also allow for the integration of targeting systems and electronic countermeasures to enhance its combat effectiveness.

Despite these capabilities, the Z-9's weapons systems are generally considered to be less advanced compared to those found on more modern attack helicopters. Its payload capacity and range are also limited when fully armed, which can restrict its operational effectiveness.

Operational history

The Z-9 Haitun entered service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the late 1980s and has since been deployed in various capacities by different branches, including the PLA Army, Navy, and Air Force. It has been involved in a range of missions such as troop transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance. The combat variants, particularly the Z-9W and Z-9WA, have seen operational use in anti-armor and close air support roles.

In addition to domestic use, the Z-9 has been exported to several countries, including Cambodia, Kenya, and Bolivia, among others. These helicopters often serve in similar multi-role capacities within these nations' armed forces.

While there is no public record of the Z-9 being involved in high-profile combat operations, it has participated in numerous military exercises and has been displayed in various military parades.

Variants

The Z-9 Haitun has multiple variants, including:

Z-9A: Basic utility version, closely resembling the original AS365N2 Dauphin.
Z-9B: Initial version
Z-9C: Naval version equipped for anti-submarine warfare, capable of carrying torpedoes and depth charges.
Z-9W (WZ-9): Attack variant equipped with weapon hardpoints for anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, and machine guns.
Z-9WA: Enhanced attack version featuring night vision capability, improved avionics, and additional weapon systems like a nose-mounted autocannon.
Z-9EC: A specialized anti-submarine warfare version for the Pakistani Navy, equipped with pulse compression radar and other ASW gear.
Z-9EH: Search and rescue version equipped with specialized equipment like rescue hoists and medical supplies.
Z-19: A substantially modified, tandem-seat armed reconnaissance/attack variant.

Technical specifications

Version: Z-9B
Maximum speed	315 km/h (196 mph)
Height	3.5 m (11.4 ft)
Length	13.7 m (44.9 ft)
Service ceiling	6000 m (19685 ft)
Empty weight	2050 kg (4519 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	4100 kg (9039 lbs)
Powerplant	2 × turbines Zhuzhou WZ-8A delivering 544 kW