Prototype of New Chinese Z-19 Attack Helicopter Revealed

Chinese aviation firm AVIC has revealed the first prototype of the new home-grown anti-armor attack helicopter Z-19. This new attack helicopter is based on the Z-9W anti-armor attack helicopter which itself was derived from the license-built AS-365N.

New anti-armor attack helicopter features a new narrow forwarded fuselage with tandem compact layout similar to that is being used on the other gunship helicopters like Z-10, TAI/Agusta Westland T-129, AH-1Z Viper, AH-64 Apache, Eurocopter Tiger, Mil Mi-28 and HAL Light Combat Helicopter.

Z-19 attack helicopter seems to have retained the aft fuselage and rotor system of the Z-9WA. New helicopter is likely to use that same power plant as that of Z-9WA as part of a low risk approach. First prototype of Z-19 was reported to have flown couple of months ago in May this year.

This new helicopter is likely being develop to complement Z-10 attack helicopter which has suffered several delays due to engine related troubles. Z-10 attack helicopter flew for the first time back in April 29, 2003.

 New Z-10 has modified engine exhausts to reduce IR signature of the Z-10 helicopter. Initially Z-10 prototypes were powered by PT6C-76C engine but for production version Chinese are likely to use the WZ-9 engines. The latest rumor claimed that the first batch of Z-10A is entering service with PLA Army Aviation.

Z-9W was China’s first anti-armor attack helicopter that become operational with People's Liberation Army. It can be armed with the HJ-8A wire-guided ATGMs, or 57mm/90mm rocket pods, or 23mm cannons, or TY-90 IR-guided AAMs.