China’s navy is testing a ship-based model of the new Z-20 helicopter for its advanced destroyers, mainland media reported, as it seeks to boost the combat capability of its warships. A modified model of the helicopter is seen on the rear deck of a large ship – believed to be the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Nanchang – in photos carried by Sina News. The Z-20 is a multi-role medium-lift helicopter developed by the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corp of China. Its first flight was in 2013, and the army helicopter has reportedly been deployed in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The photos appear to show a naval model of the helicopter with folding rotor blades and tail, which would mean it could fit into the limited space of a ship hangar. Its position on the deck, meanwhile, suggests its rear wheels have been enhanced for landing on a warship. Song Zhongping, a military analyst in Hong Kong, said the latest Z-20 could have been undergoing testing before it goes into large-scale production for PLA Navy use on its expanding fleet of large surface vessels. “The PLA Navy has had a shortage of home-grown ship-borne helicopters for a long time,” Song said. “When it’s ready, the Z-20 could fill a big gap.” The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight in the range of 10 tonnes – it is similar in size and weight to the US Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk. China’s Type 055 guided-missile destroyer is the largest and most advanced in Asia, designed to guard the country’s first home-grown aircraft carrier and meet the navy’s demand for modern warships. But its anti-submarine capabilities are a weakness because it lacks advanced ship-based helicopters. The 13-tonne Z-8 helicopter is too large to be loaded onto ships, while the 4-tonne Z-9 is too light to carry enough equipment, weapons and fuel for such a mission. The PLA Navy has instead bought Russian KA-28s for its ships but they are a downgraded export version of the military helicopter. But the Z-20 was a “perfect size” for the destroyers, and its long range, good manoeuvrability and new electronic systems meant it could have many uses, Song said. It could be customised for anti-submarine, anti-ship and early warning activities, as well as for search and rescue efforts and transport, he said. China launches two new Type 052D destroyers as it continues drive to strengthen naval force The Nanchang, which is the first and only active Type 055, entered service in April, while three more of the destroyers are being built. With two helicopter hangars, the 10,000-tonne vessel features an advanced electronic and radar system and a vertical missile-launching system that is larger than the ones used by most other destroyers. It is believed to be the world’s second most powerful destroyer after the US Navy’s Zumwalt class. Song said the Z-20 helicopter would also be used on other warships. “The Z-20 will be used on China’s aircraft carriers in the future, for sure,” he said.
