CAIC WZ-10

The CAIC WZ-10 (Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation / Wuzhuang Zhisheng) is a new addition to the global family of attack helicopters, with this particular model being produced for use by the People’s Republic of China. There is little known of the system as of this writing though some capabilities can be assumed considering it is the first indigenous Chinese attack helicopter design of note.

Externally, the WZ-10 appears ever bit the part of attack helicopter, following the traditional design lines set forth by the Hughes AH-64 Apache. In some ways, the helicopter appears to be a mating of the failed American RAH-66 Comanche and the successful AH-64 Apache. The two crew members sit in tandem with the pilot in the rear and seated higher than his gunner at front. Wing stubs provide the ability for the system to wield munitions of various sorts and center around anti-tank missiles (with the Hellfire-like HJ-10 being the likely selection) with rocket pods assumed as well. Additionally the WZ-10 is believed to possess anti-aircraft abilities when armed as such and will most likely be fielded with the TY-90 short range air-to-air missiles in this instance. Standard armament includes a chin-mounted 23mm cannon with the assumption being that it is directly tied to the gunners helmet (ala the Apache).

Power is derived from twin turboshafts centering on the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C series. These two engines produce 1,531 horsepower each and offer up capable speeds, service ceiling and range. The systems drive a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail unit. The transmission development is based on help from Agusta Westland. In all, the helicopter is believed to be in the same class as modern systems such as the Denel Rooivalk and Eurocopter Tiger and is slated for operational service beginning this year (2008).

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Last Revision: 6/13/2008