Army Z-11 Whisky Bravo will enter Chinese army service soon

[Test7]

Global Times reported that China's domestically developed Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) Z-11WB armed helicopter is expected to enter service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The helicopter, largely based on the Eurocopter AS350B Écureuil, will play a key role in ground attack, reconnaissance and antiterrorism missions.

A Z-11WB was seen on China Central Television programme with clear PLA markings on a production line. Looking into history with likewise footage of other Chinese military hardware, it is expected that the Z-11WB will likely enter PLA service soon.

The Z-11 project started with Eurocopter blue prints already in 1989. Its first flight was reported in December 1994. Six years later, in October 2000, CAIC announced the completion of the test programme. The more recent WB variant, with a first flight in 2015, is equipped with a an electro optical system underneath the cockpit, a redesigned cockpit, and is able to launch small unmanned aerial systems. The helicopter can be armed with air-to-ground weapons, like anti-tank missiles and guided and unguided rockets. The helicopter is also equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun.

From 2016, CAIC is offering the Z-11E on the domestic market. In October 2019, the first contract was capatilized when two Z-11E found their way to Africa.

Z-11 Whisky Bravo will enter Chinese army service soon

Z-11 Whisky Bravo will enter Chinese army service soon Global Times reported that China's domestically developed Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) Z-11WB armed helicop...

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