Z-10 Attack Helicopter

The Z-10 is an attack helicopter  developed by the People´s Republic of China . It is designed primarily for anti-tank missions but is believed to have a secondary air-to-air capability as well.It is being built by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation.
Prototype of the Z-10 made it's maiden flight in 2003. It seems that initial production gunships were delivered to the Chinese army in 2009-2010. It is the first dedicated modern Chinese attack helicopter. It has been designed with extensive technical assistance from Eurocopter and Augusta. Other sources claim that development of the Z-10 has been assisted by Russian Kamov helicopter design bureau.

 

   The Z-10 helicopter has a standard gunship configuration with a narrow fuselage and stepped tandem cockpits. Gunner is seated at the front and the pilot is at the rear. The fuselage has sloped sides to reduce radar cross section. All vital areas are believed to be protected by armor plates.

   Weapons of the Z-10 may consist of 30-mm cannon, HJ-9 anti-tank guided missiles (comparable to the TOW-2A), newly developed HJ-10 anti-tank missiles (comparable to the AGM-114 Hellfire) and TY-90 air-to-air missiles. It can also carry unoperated rocket pods.

   The prototype of the Z-10 is powered by two Canadian Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, delivering 1 531 hp each. However indigenous engines might be used on production helicopters. It might use the same engine of the WZ-9 helicopter, but it is less powerful than Canadian design.

   This helicopter may be fitted with a fly-by-wire control, helmet-mounted sight for head-up display, television and forward-looking infrared sensors, radar and laser warning receivers, infrared jammer and decoy dispensers.