Changhe Z-11

The Changhe Z-11 is a light utility helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC). According to the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation website, it is claimed to be the first indigenously-designed helicopter in China. However, it is largely based on the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil.[1] The Z-11 project started in 1989 and the first flight was made in Dec 1994. In Oct 2000, test flights of Z-11 were completed. The chief designer of Z-11 is Mr. Wu Ximing (吴希明), who is also the chief designer of three other Chinese helicopters, including the WZ-10. Under Mr. Wu, the Z-11 became the first Chinese helicopter to be completely designed using CAD/CAM techniques.

Z-11
A Changhe Z-11WB on display at the 2016 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.
Role Light utility helicopter
National origin China
Manufacturer Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation
First flight 22 December 1994
Introduction September 1998
Status Active, In production
Primary user People's Liberation Army Ground Force
Produced 1994-present
Developed from Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil

Variants
Z-11J
military version of the Z-11
Z-11W
armed military version of the Z-11 (battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, ground attack, and medical evacuation roles)
Z-11WA
scout version
Z11MB1
with French Arriel 2B1A engine
Z-11ME1
CZ11W
a light attack helicopter variation. It is powered by one WZ8D or ARRIEL 2B1A turboshaft engine and is equipped with integrated avionics systems, antitank missiles, rockets and machine guns. The helicopter is fitted with a targeting sensor turret, and can carry four Chinese HJ-8 antitank missiles.[2]
Z-11WB
New attack/reconnaissance variant with a new EO ball, redesigned cockpit, SW-6 UAV, and pylons for weapons. Its roles include ground support, attack, battlefield reconnaissance, command, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, and other tasks.

Specifications (Z-11J)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2010–2011[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 6
  • Length: 11.24 m (36 ft 11 in) fuselage
13.01 m (43 ft) with rotors turning
  • Width: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
  • Height: 3.14 m (10 ft 4 in) to top of rotor hub
  • Empty weight: 1,253 kg (2,762 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 423 kg (933 lb) maximum
  • Powerplant: 1 × Liming WZ-8 turboshaft engine, 510 kW (680 hp) for take-off
450 kW (603 hp) max. continuous
350 kW (469 hp) cruise

(program to re-engine with Honeywell LTS101-700D-2 commenced 2010)

  • Main rotor diameter: 10.69 m (35 ft 1 in)
  • Main rotor area: 89.8 m2 (967 sq ft)
  • Blade section: NACA 0012[4]

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 258 km/h (160 mph, 139 kn) max at 1,000 m (3,281 ft)
  • Range: 661 km (411 mi, 357 nmi) max
  • Endurance: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Service ceiling: 5,270 m (17,290 ft)
  • Hover ceiling IGE: 4,028 m (13,215 ft)
  • Hover ceiling OGE: 3,369 m (11,053 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 10 m/s (2,000 ft/min) at sea level

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. "Z-11 light military transport helicopter". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  2. "Z-11 helicopter variations". AirForceWorld.com. Archived from the original on 9 September 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-12.
  3. Jackson, Paul, ed. (2010). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010-11 (101st ed.). London: Jane's Information Group. pp. 111–112. ISBN 978-0710629166.
  4. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
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