BEIJING: China’s latest commissioned and fully domestically made tactical utility helicopter, the Z-20, is expected to become the country’s most-delivered chopper by entering service with not only the Chinese army but also the nation’s air, naval forces and armed police, with additional prospects of export sales, said the chief designer of the helicopter. The Z-20 could play a role similar to the UH-60 Black Hawk in the US military and reach a similar number of deliveries as those for the US helicopter, analysts predicted on Thursday. In terms of tactical transport tasks, the Z-20 can rapidly deliver key equipment, goods and combat personnel, or retrieve the wounded from the frontline. In terms of deliveries, the Z-20 could reach a similar level as the UH-60, Wang predicted, noting that about 2,000 to 3,000 units can be expected to be built. The CCTV report also revealed that the Z-20 was tested in harsh environments, including plateaus, extremely cold regions and regions with high humidity and temperatures prior to its commissioning, and the chopper is capable of conducting missions in all areas of China.

Source: Manila Times November 20, 2020 16:18 UTC