Chinese navy shows off new anti-submarine helicopter

[Nan Yang]

Chinese navy shows off new anti-submarine helicopter​

• State media carries footage showing a Z-20 taking off from a destroyer to mark the anniversary of the PLA Navy
• The multipurpose helicopter has a broader range and can carry more weaponry than previous models

Amber Wang in Beijing
Published: 6:53pm, 23 Apr, 2022

China’s most modern anti-submarine helicopter has entered service, appearing in footage to mark the navy’s anniversary.

State broadcaster CCTV aired the footage – which shows a Z-20 helicopter taking off from the deck of a Type 055 destroyer – on Friday, one day before the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the navy.

Different versions of the helicopter – designed to carry troops or conduct reconnaissance and rescue missions – have already entered service with the People’s Liberation Army, appearing in the National Day Parade in October 2019, and with the People’s Armed Police.

Analysts said the aircraft would enhance the navy’s anti-submarine capability by expanding the combat radius and carrying more weapons.

Yue Gang, a former PLA colonel, said the naval version of the Z-20 would replace the domestically made Harbin Z-9C and Russian-built Ka-28 helicopters that were now used for anti-submarine operations.

The anti-submarine version of the Z-9C, another military utility helicopter, had a smaller capacity load and shorter air endurance, Yue said, while the Russian helicopters were due to be retired.

“Although the K- 28 can meet the requirements for anti-submarine [warfare] and transport, the imports are limited and should be retired due to the many years of service,” Yue said.

“In addition, its electronic equipment is outdated, which will not match the needs of current warships.”

Yue said the Z-20 helicopter could expand the combat radius as it could stay in the air for a longer time and can carry more torpedoes and bombs than Z-9C. In addition, it could be used as a radar in the air to guide anti-ship missiles to attack enemy warships.

“As the replacement for the other two types of helicopter, it can match the combat functions of our new warships, especially in terms of electronic functions, so that the warships can exert their maximum power,” Yue said.

In the run-up to the navy’s anniversary two more Type 055 destroyers, one of the most advanced models in the world, entered service, CCTV reported on Thursday.

The PLA Navy also released a promotional video about its aircraft carrier programme on Friday, in which it hinted that the country’s third aircraft carrier will be officially revealed soon.

However, there was no announcement about the new carrier on Saturday, when it was widely expected that the ship would be launched.

Military sources have previously told the South China Morning Post that Shanghai’s coronavirus lockdown has slowed down the country’s shipbuilding programme.

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[Beast]

Most modern anti-sub helo of the PLAN shall be the Z-8. It is far bigger and therefore longer range, carry more powerful avionics and sonar.

But its bigger size is also its fatality as none of the Z-8 can go on the destroyer helo pad. They can only serve onboard LHD, LDP and Aircraft carrier.

 

[UKBengali]

Problem is the engine WZ-10 has French technology in it.

China should have gone to make it totally indigenous.

 

[KampfAlwin]

Problem is the engine WZ-10 has French technology in it.

China should have gone to make it totally indigenous.

That should be the WZ-16, French-Chinese cooperation, all IP rights to China - so it's fine. WZ-10 is different, it is 100% Chinese made and more powerful than WZ-16

 

[Zarvan]

Good for us. We could see it becoming part of Pakistan Navy also.

 

[FuturePAF]

Most modern anti-sub helo of the PLAN shall be the Z-8. It is far bigger and therefore longer range, carry more powerful avionics and sonar.

But its bigger size is also its fatality as none of the Z-8 can go on the destroyer helo pad. They can only serve onboard LHD, LDP and Aircraft carrier.

Will the 055 Destroyers use the Z-8/Z-18 for ASW as well as AEW considering their recently revealed longer range ship borne ASBM?

Or perhaps are we about to see the use of unmanned stealthy drone helicopters for ASW and AEW? They would be smaller and could allow each ship to fit more on board then manned helicopters.

China’s helicopter carrier expands capability with drone

China’s helicopter carrier expands capability with drone Global Times Published: 2020/7/2 20:49:12 A full-scale model for an unknown type of drone helicopter was recently spotted on the flight deck of China's Type 075 amphibious assault ship, which is undergoing outfitting work in Shanghai...

defence.pk

 

[UKBengali]

That should be the WZ-16, French-Chinese cooperation, all IP rights to China - so it's fine. WZ-10 is different, it is 100% Chinese made and more powerful than WZ-16

Thanks for the clarification.

Looks like China is now up there with the West in helicopter engine technology.

 

[2ndFarhan__Ullah]

Chinese navy shows off new anti-submarine helicopter​

​

U might have seen Sea Hawk. Prepare for OCEAN FALCON.

On a serious note, would love to see army version of this in PAA.

 

[KampfAlwin]

Thanks for the clarification.

Looks like China is now up there with the West in helicopter engine technology.

Yeah, and there was a rumour that China has selected the Z-20 airframe to be modified into a heavy attack helicopter. There was also an interview with China's heli manufacturer days ago saying that China's next gen helicopter will be similar to US's next gen and that 1 test airframe had just made its first flight.