Helikopter - Kina med ny transportmaskin - AIN

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has introduced the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation Z-8G transport helicopter to active service. Previously known as the Z-18, it was reportedly redesignated the Z-8G (Gaoyuan, or "Plateau") because it is a heavily modified version of the Harbin Z-8, the Chinese derivative of the Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon.

The Z-18 flew for the first time in 2014. Powered by three domestic WZ-6C turboshafts, it has a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tonnes (30,360 pounds). It can carry 30 troops, or five tonnes (11,000 pounds) of cargo, for up to 1,000 km (600 miles). The new design replaced the Super Frelon/Z-8’s distinctive boat hull lower fuselage with a tail ramp, and added a small terrain-following radar in the radome. Some Z-8Gs are fitted with a satcom fairing on the tailboom, aft of the engine exhausts.