In today's world, Harbin Z-9 is a relevant topic that impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The importance of addressing this issue lies in its influence on different aspects of daily life, from physical and emotional health to social and economic development. Throughout history, Harbin Z-9 has been the subject of extensive research and debate, giving rise to a wide range of perspectives and approaches on how to approach it. In this article, we will explore different aspects of Harbin Z-9, from its origins to its implications today, in order to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date view on this topic.
Z-9 | |
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A Chinese naval Z-9 departs HMS Cornwall | |
Role | Medium multi-purpose utility helicopter |
National origin | China |
Manufacturer | Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation |
First flight | 1981 |
Introduction | 1994 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | People's Liberation Army Ground Force Pakistan Naval Air Arm |
Produced | 1981–present |
Number built | 200+ |
Developed from | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |
Variants | Harbin Z-19 |
The Harbin Z-9 (NATO reporting name "Haitun", Chinese: 海豚 for Dolphin) is a Chinese military utility helicopter with civilian variants. It is a licensed variant of the French Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, and is manufactured by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation.
The first Z-9 flew in 1981, and was built in China from components supplied by Aérospatiale as part of a production patent bought on 15 October 1980. On 16 January 1992, the indigenous variant Z-9B, constructed with 70% Chinese-made parts, flew successfully. The flight test was completed in November 1992 and the design was finalized a month later. Z-9B production began in 1993 and entered PLA service in 1994.
The Z-9B features an 11-blade Fenestron faired-in tail rotor with wider-chord, all-composite blades replacing the 13-blade used in the original AS365N. As a light tactical troop transport, the Z-9 has the capacity to transport 10 fully armed soldiers. Generally the Z-9 is identical to the AS365N Dauphin, though later variants of the Z-9 incorporate more composite materials to increase structural strength and lower radar signature.
The helicopter has a four-blade main rotor, with two turboshaft engines mounted side by side on top of the cabin with engine layout identical to the AS365N. The Z-9 teardrop-shaped body features a tapered boom to the tail fin, with rounded nose and stepped-up cockpit, retractable gear, and all flat bottom.
In 2002, Harbin obtained Chinese certification for the new H410A variant of the Z-9, which features more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2C turboshaft engines; Eurocopter issued official objections to Harbin's decision to continue production in spite of the license-production agreement having expired, leading to a period of highly sensitive international negotiations to resolve the dispute.
An armed variant has been fielded by the PLA since the early 1990s as the Z-9W, with pylons fitted for anti-tank missiles. These helicopters lack the maneuverability and survivability of a proper attack helicopter, and merely provide a stopgap during the development of the Z-10. The latest armed version, the Z-9W, was introduced in 2005 and has night attack capabilities, with an under-nose low-light TV and infra-red observing and tracking unit.
The naval version introduced in the 1990s is known as the Z-9C. As well as SAR and ASW duties, the Z-9C can be fitted with an X-band KLC-1 surface search radar to detect surface targets beyond the range of shipborne radar systems.
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era