Z-19
A close-up of the Z-19 prototype is shown here carrying a 90mm rocket launcher. Z-19 (?) is a light scout/attack helicopter based on H425 currently under development at Harbin Aircraft Industrial Corporation. The helicopter features a narrow forward fuselage and a tandem cockpit layout similar to those of Z-10, but with pilot sitting in the front seat and gunner in the back seat. Both crew are protected by armor plates, crash-resist seats and non-retractable front landing gears. It also features a Z-9WA style nose mounted EO turret (FLIR, TV and laser range finder). Z-19 is thought to retain the same aft fuselage, engine, transmission and rotor systems with minor modifications from H425 which speeds up the development. The helicopter can also carry the air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon package similar to that of Z-9WA under a pair stub wings, including KD-8 ATGMs, PL-90 AAMs as well as 23mm gun pods and rocket lanchers. Some specifications: TO weight 4,500kg, empty weight 2,350kg, max cruising speed 245km/h, max climb rate 9m/s, range 700km, ceiling (no ground effect) 2,400m, endurance >3hr. Z-19 is expected to support the heavier Z-10 attack helicopter from Changhe in a high-low combination, replacing the earlier Z-9WA. It was reported that Z-19 prototype first flew in May 2010. However one prototype crashed on September 18, 2010. Currently Z-19 is being evaluated by the Army.
- Last Updated 2/2/12