China tests ‘mystery’ helicopter type, inducts Russian-built Mi-171s
As well as testing a mysterious new helicopter type, China may end up exporting the Z-10ME attack helicopter to Pakistan. (Photo: author)
China claims first flight of 'innovative' new helicopter design, hinting at FVL-type technology developments for the long term. The PLA also continues to acquire Russian-built helicopters, with a recently disclosed order for the Mi-171Sh.
Chinese media has reported that a mysterious new helicopter with ‘innovative design’, intended for military use, made its maiden flight in March.
In March 2019, the Changhe Aircraft Industry Group and China Helicopter Research and Development Institute launched a self-funded project to develop this new rotary-wing type.
The project was reviewed this March in a joint work conference, the institute said in a press release published on its WeChat account. It stated that the new aircraft successfully completed its first flight and is conducting more test flights to verify performance.
The two entities are members of AVIC, and the statement claimed
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market]()
JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market
With orders from three countries, 2024 is unlikely to be the last of the export years for the joint Pakistan-Chinese fighter jet.
-
![Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant]()
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
Japan and South Korea plan major enhancements to their F-15 programmes.
-
![Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line]()
Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line
Using the example of the F-35, does rolling out a domestic final assembly line make economic or industrial sense for countries wanting to purchase new aircraft?
-
![Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?]()
Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?
What are the realistic options for replacing or replicating the C-5’s unique capability when it finally reaches its end of life?
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
