Harbin Z-20#Variants

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has had a requirement for a high-altitude medium utility helicopter that can operate in the mountainous regions in China since the 1980s. In 1984, the PLAAF acquired 24 Sikorsky S-70C-2s with enhanced General Electric T700-701A engines from the US government.

China was unable to purchase more Sikorsky aircraft following the fallout from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests that resulted in an EU and US arms embargo. This led to the development of an indigenous so-called "10-tonne helicopter project" that started in 2006, and the Z-20 made its first flight on 23 December 2013.

Helicopter production in China received a massive boost after the 2008 Sichuan earthquakes highlighted the value of helicopters in humanitarian missions.{{cite web |url=http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/z8-helicopter-china.html |title=Z8 Helicopter production boost from 2008 |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027070141/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/z8-helicopter-china.html |archive-date=27 October 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} In addition to the PLAAF, the Z-20 will likely be used by other services in the People's Liberation Army.{{Cite web|last=Waldron|first=Greg|title=Harbin Z-20 destined for wide number of roles|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/harbin-z-20-destined-for-wide-number-of-roles-report/134770.article|access-date=2020-07-02|website=Flight Global|language=en}} It could fill the role of a multi-role naval helicopter for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) that is small enough to be interoperable across all PLAN vessels while still have a full suite of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities installed.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/asw-capable-variant-of-z-20-helo-may-soon-enter-pla-navy-service|title=ASW-capable variant of Z-20 helo may soon enter PLA Navy service|date=11 January 2021}}

The Z-20 has been tested carrying missiles on wing pylons.{{cite web |last1=Rupprecht |first1=Andreas |title=Z-20 prototype seen carrying possible anti-tank guided missiles |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/z-20-prototype-seen-carrying-possible-anti-tank-guided-missiles |website=Janes |date=21 October 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022}}

A stealth Z-20 variant has been indicated under development since 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-developing-new-attack-helicopter-with-stealth-power |title=China developing new attack helicopter with stealth power |website=straitstimes |date=12 September 2015 }} One analyst said China could produce the stealth variant relatively easily because of their access to a modified MH-60 Black Hawk tail section, recovered by Pakistani security forces after a crash during the Bin Laden raid.{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40853/stealthy-variant-of-chinas-z-20-black-hawk-clone-emerges-in-concept-model-form |title=Stealthy Variant Of China's Z-20 Black Hawk Clone Emerges In Concept Model Form |website=The Drive |date=30 May 2021}} In May 2021, the concept model of the stealthy Z-20 variant was public revealed. The model displayed a trapezoidal airframe, a shrouded main rotor hub, and an upper-facing ventilation system located on an enlarged tail boom.{{cite web|url=https://www.twz.com/40853/stealthy-variant-of-chinas-z-20-black-hawk-clone-emerges-in-concept-model-form |title=Stealthy Variant Of China's Z-20 Black Hawk Clone Emerges In Concept Model Form |website=The War Zone |date=30 May 2021 |first=Tyler |last=Rogoway }}

File:Z-20 Airshow China 2022 ground.jpg

File:Z-20 Helicopter 20221020.jpg

The Z-20 is based on the 1970s S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk, which China acquired in the 1980s. Pakistan may also have allowed China to examine wreckage from the US special forces Black Hawk abandoned during the assassination of Osama bin Laden on 1 May 2011.{{cite web| url=http://www.businessinsider.com/china-helicopter-may-be-copy-from-bin-laden-2013-9 | title=Mysterious Chinese Helicopter Emerges That Resembles The One Used In Bin Laden Raid | publisher=Business Insider | date=3 September 2013 | access-date=27 December 2013 |author=David Cenciotti}}{{cite web| url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/12/did-china-just-clone-a-black-hawk-helicopter/ | title=Did China Just Clone a Black Hawk Helicopter | publisher=The Diplomat | date=26 December 2013 | access-date=27 December 2013 |author=Zachary Keck}}

The helicopter uses fly-by-wire controls and a five-bladed main rotor; the Black Hawk has four blades. The tail-to-fuselage joint frame is more angular than the Black Hawk's, for greater lift, cabin capacity, and endurance. The fairings behind the engine exhausts and on the spine are likely for satellite communications or the BeiDou satellite navigation system.{{cite web |title=China's Z-20 Helicopter Features Home-made Engine, Fly-by-wire |url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/25639/China_s_Z_20_Helicopter_Features_Home_made_Engine__Fly_by_wire |website=DefenseMirror.com |date=10 October 2019 |access-date=16 May 2022}} The Z-20 carries multiple defensive countermeasures, including radar warning receivers (RWR) and missile approach warning system (MAWS), and four chaff and flare launchers mounted for 360-degree coverage.{{cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a62681367/china-z21-attack-helicopter/ |title=America's AH-64 Apache Is One of the World's Deadliest Helicopters—And China Just Made Its Own Copy |website=Popular Mechanics |date=22 October 2024 |first=Sébastien |last=Roblin }}

The Z-20 is believed to be powered by the domestic WZ-10 turboshaft engine providing {{cvt|1600|kW|shp}} of power,{{cite web|url=https://www.deagel.com/Components/WZ-10/a003754 |title=WZ-10 |website=Deagel }}{{cite web|url=https://www.airframer.com/product_detail.html?product=877_WZ-10 |title=WZ-10 |website=Airframer }} significantly improved from the engines on the S-70-C2 and is slightly more powerful than the latest iteration of the Black Hawk engine, the GE T700-701D.{{cite web |title=T700-GE-701D Engine Awarded U.S. Army Qualification |url=https://www.geaviation.com/press-release/military-engines/t700-ge-701d-engine-awarded-us-army-qualification |website=www.geaviation.com.com |date=4 Nov 2004 |access-date=17 Jul 2022}} The Z-20 also incorporates new technologies that reduce weight and improve lift as well as cutting edge de-icing tech on the rotor-blades. These features enable it to conduct operations at altitudes above 4,000 m (13,200 ft). The engine has an emergency thrust of {{cvt|2000|kW|shp}}.{{cite web|url=https://mil.sina.cn/sd/2019-10-10/detail-iicezzrr1340391.d.html |title=我军直20采用纯国产涡轴10发动机：最大功率达2000KW |website=Sina News |date=10 October 2019 }} Compared to the S-70-C2, the Z-20 has overall improvements to the speed, service ceiling, range, and payload.

File:Z-20 J helicopter.jpg

;Z-20

:Base transport variant for PLA Army.

;Z-20T Assault Variant

:Armed assault variant featuring stub wings with two hardpoints each for weapons and targeting sensors, used by PLA Army.{{cite web | url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/new-chinese-z-20-armed-assault-variant-emerges | title=New Chinese Z-20 'armed assault' variant emerges | date=23 May 2024 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.twz.com/38509/chinas-z-20-black-hawk-clone-is-now-packing-air-to-ground-missiles |title=China's Z-20 Black Hawk Clone Is Now Packing Air-To-Ground Missiles |website=The War Zone |date=31 December 2020 |first=Thomas |last=Newdick }}{{cite web|url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/chinas-new-z-20t-assault-helicopter-challenges-us-mh-60l-dap-for-special-operation-forces?utm_content=cmp-true |title=China's new Z-20T assault helicopter challenges US MH-60L DAP for Special Operation Forces.|website=Armyrecognition |date=13 November 2024 }}

;Z-20S

:Search and rescue (SAR) used by PLA Army. Equipped with FLIR, a searchlight under the fuselage, a hoist above the cabin door, a crash position indicator (CPI) underneath the tail boom, new ECM antennas above the LWR, and essential medical equipment inside the cabin.

;Z-20K

:PLAAF airborne corps variant.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3189242/chinas-new-z-20-helicopter-reports-duty-hong-kong |title=Mainland China's new Z-20 helicopter reports for duty in Hong Kong |website=South China Morning Post |date=18 August 2022 |first=Minnie |last=Chan }}

;Z-20KA

:PLAAF airborne corps air assault variant, featuring additional hardpoints for weapons and EO sensors.{{cite web|url=https://www.sohu.com/a/706884870_121687414 |title=直-20首秀空军航空开放活动，空降兵的空中"多面手" |website=Sohu News |date=26 July 2023 }}

;Z-20KS

:PLAAF airborne corps combat search and rescue variant.{{cite web|url=https://military.china.com/photo/13004178/20230705/45138622.html |title=驻港部队亮出好东西，直-20KS首次公开亮相 |website=China.com }}

;Z-20J

:Naval utility/transport variant.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/new-images-of-z-20-helicopter-variants-highlight-chinas-asw-efforts/140931.article |title=New images of Z-20 helicopter variants highlight China's ASW efforts |website=FlightGlobal |date=3 November 2020 |first=Greg |last=Waldron }}

;Z-20F

:Naval ASW variant.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/30404/here-is-our-first-clear-look-at-chinas-z-20f-its-seahawk-helicopter-clone|title=Here Is Our First Clear Look At China's Z-20F Seahawk Helicopter Clone (Updated)|first=Tyler|last=Rogoway|website=The Drive|date=13 October 2019 }} Equipped with surface radar under nose, pylon for torpedoes, dipping sonar underbelly and bubble window for observation.

;Z-20 PAP

:variant for People's Armed Police (PAP).{{cite web|url=https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20240318A0423N00 |title=武警版直-20公开亮相，陆海空三军装备的规模，就非常值得期待了 |website=Tencent News |date=18 March 2023 }}

;Z-21: A dedicated attack helicopter based on the Z-20 airframe. The Z-21 has a tail section and rotor configuration similar to the Z-20 but with a thinner fuselage. A tandem cockpit replaces the side-by-side seating on the original, and a {{cvt|23|mm|in}} autocannon is mounted below. A cheek fairing is added for additional ammunition and avionics. A mmW radar is mounted on top of the rotor mast. The engine is rated at {{cvt|1790|kW|shp}} with exhaust direction is changed to upward-facing, reducing the infrared signature. Six hard points on the stub wings to provide more firepower than the Changhe Z-10.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/new-chinese-attack-helicopter-in-development |title=New Chinese attack helicopter in development |website=Janes |date=28 March 2024 |first=Akhil |last=Kadidal }}{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/03/30/first-clear-photos-show-chinas-new-z-21-attack-helicopter-and-its-striking-resemblance-to-ah-64/ |title=First Clear Photos Of China's New Z-21 Attack Helicopter (With Striking Resemblance To AH-64) |website=The Aviationist |date=30 March 2024 }} The helicopter was first observed in China in March 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.twz.com/land/chinas-new-heavy-attack-helicopter-spotted-for-the-first-time |title=China's New Heavy Attack Helicopter Spotted For The First Time (Updated) |website=The War Zone |date=21 March 2024 |first=Thomas |last=Newdick }}

;{{PRC}}

• People's Liberation Army Ground Force Aviation – estimated 150 units of Z-20 variants{{Cite book|title=The Military Balance 2024|date=12 February 2024 |publisher=Routledge (For The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS))|location=London |isbn=978-1-03-278004-7 |last1=For Strategic Studies (Iiss) |first1=The International Institute }}
• People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force{{Cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3175297/chinese-navy-shows-new-anti-submarine-helicopter |title= Chinese navy shows off new anti-submarine helicopter |work=South China Morning Pos t|date=2022-04-23 |first= Amber |last=Wang}}
• People's Liberation Army Air Force Airborne Corps – 6 units of Z-20K and 15+ units of Z-20S
• People's Armed Police{{Cite web |last1=Rupprecht |first1=Andreas |last2=Dominguez |first2=Gabriel |title=Possible New Variant of China's Z-20 Helicopter |url=https://monch.com/possible-new-variant-of-chinas-z-20-helicopter/ |website=Mönch Publishing Group |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022}}

File:Z-20KA helihoisting vehicle at CCAS2023 (20230724130019).jpg Z-20K sling loading Lynx CS/VP11 at Changchun Airshow 2023]]

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=CN Defense,{{cite web|url=https://www.militarydrones.org.cn/z-20-helicopter-p00235p1.html |title=Z-20 |website=China Defense }} Popular Mechanics, Janes{{cite web|url= https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/new-chinese-z-20-armed-assault-variant-emerges |title= New Chinese Z-20 'armed assault' variant emerges |date= 23 May 2024 }}

|prime units?=met

|crew=2

|capacity=12-15 passengers, {{cvt|1500|kg|lb}} of cargo internally, {{cvt|4000|kg|lb}} of cargo externally

|length m=20

|length note=

|width m=

|width note=

|height m=5.3

|height note=

|empty weight kg=5000

|empty weight note=

|gross weight kg=

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight kg=10000

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name= WZ-10

|eng1 type= turboshaft engines

|eng1 kw=1600-2000

|eng1 shp=

|eng1 note=

|rot number=

|rot dia m=16

|rot area sqft=

|rot area note= (approx.)

|max speed kmh=360

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kmh=290

|cruise speed note=

|never exceed speed kmh=

|never exceed speed note=

|range km=

|range note=

|combat range km=560

|combat range note=

|ferry range km=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling m=6000

|ceiling note= (approx.)

|g limits=

|roll rate=

|climb rate ftmin=1400

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|disk loading lb/sqft=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass=

|more performance=

|guns=Provision for machine guns and autocannons

|bombs=

|hardpoints=4 hardpoints on two stub wings

|hardpoint rockets=

• Various rocket pods

|hardpoint missiles=

• AKD-9 laser-guided air-to-surface missile
• AKD-10 laser-guided air-to-surface missile
• CM-502KG or CM-502V NLOS air-to-surface missile
• CM-501GA NLOS air-to-surface missile
• CM-501XA loitering munition
• TY-90 air-to-air missile

|hardpoint other=

|hardpoint capacity=

|avionics=EO/IR sensors

}}

{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent|

|related=

|similar aircraft=

• AgustaWestland AW149
• Airbus Helicopters H175
• Airbus Helicopters H225M
• Bell 525 Relentless
• KAI KUH-1 Surion
• Mitsubishi H-60
• NHIndustries NH90
• Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

|sequence=

|lists=

• List of active Chinese military aircraft
• List of Chinese aircraft
• List of utility helicopters

|see also=

}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Reflist}}

{{PRC helicopters}}

{{Chinese Military Aircraft}}

Category:Harbin aircraft

Category:Military helicopters

Category:2010s Chinese helicopters

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Category:Aircraft first flown in 2013

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