Chinese newest helicopter Z-20 close contact with civilian boat in South China Sea, latest video

New video emerged online showing a Chinese Z-20 naval helicopter flying over South China Sea.

This new generation Chinese developed helicopter appears to be approaching a civilian boat.

It stayed for a while, then left. This Z-20 could be using the boat to perform a practice run.

The aircraft marked "6213" carries two large size external pods below pylons, could be fuel tanks.

The naval variant of Z-20 helicopters have been stationed in Hainan Island, next to South China Sea, mainly in Shanya city.

Z-20 closely resembles the U.S. Sea Hawk helicopters. 3 different Z-20 naval variants have surfaced.

Z-20 naval variants are based on army variant, but with major changes to better suit naval operations.

It would also be a key aircraft deployed to Chinese aircraft carriers, including the latest Type 003 carrier.

This photo shows a base model Z-20 naval variant, an optical sensor suite can be spotted below cockpit.

The second model has a large size radar dome below its nose, similar to Sea Hawk and EH-101. This model is likely carrying more equipments to process and transfer radar data.

The third model is likely an assault variant to perform amphibious or anti-ship missions. This model can carry up to 8 AKD-10 anti-tank missiles, the same weapon Z-10 attack helicopter carries.

One key difference between Z-20 and U.S Sea Hawk is that Z-20 has an European style five-bladed rotor. Z-20 has a unique 2-piece large windshield, a slightly different tail design, and slimline body curves.

The Z-20 has a two-man crew, and capable of carrying 5 ton, or transporting 12 to 15 armed soldiers. And Z-20 is a key part of the newly established Air Assault Brigade of Chinese Army.

And Z-20 has much better high altitude flight capability, making it ideal for Xinjiang and Tibet areas.

It will work with Z-10 and Z-19 attack helicopters, Z-8 family large-size helicopters in Chinese Army.

Z-20 units have been deployed close to Indian border to provide better support to Army border forces.

In 2011, Chinese Army only has around 200 Mi-17 and Z-8 helicopters, and less than 150 attack helicopters. Now army’s aviation corps has over 400 Mi-17s, Z-8s and new Z-20s, plus around 500 attack helicopters.

The number is only one third of what the U.S. Army possesses, but China is fast building up the force.

The air-assault brigade will provide modern ground and air assault coordinations. At the same time, Chinese navy amphibious fleet is coming into shape, also featured Z-20 helicopters.

Photo and video: Wiki common, Norinco website, Weibo Junwuguanchasao, Weibo QiuQiuQ30, Weibo tankezhuangjiacheliang

[shermanpeabody]

The newest land version uses heated rotor blades which allow it to operate at high altitude like the Tibetan plateau preventing ice formation on the blades.

[kw]

This seems to be the new naval reconnaissance variant of the Z-20, looking at bulbous radar like object at the front and back and the various objects sticking out of the plane, this variant could possibly serve the role as naval EAW and anti submarine warfare platform, similar to the British Wildcat HMA2 or the American SH-60 Seahawk.

[iamthemedici]

wow, the naval version is a breathtakingly beautiful bird

[amingost]

Nice heli very good high teknology 🎊🎉👍💪🤔

[tonbopro]

yes， hawks have one piece wind screen Z20 has split wind screen

[jslee]

Good.... everything start with copy ... Later China will come out with a better

[alextan]

Everything start from copying. . It's still very encouraging

[sammychow]

Looks similar to the American black hawk

[allgood]

Awesome! almost a Black Hawk carbon copy🇨🇳

[noelmaher]

Thanks Sikorsky and Pak for spare parts..😉..

[MuTong-ks]

Great army of American models. China has always been a fan of America, almost a German fan in 1935.

[traveler]

As a chinese . i must say : yeah. you are damn right . this is a fxking copy . a great copy . there is no shame at all . and i think no one can laugh about it unless you are from USA, RUSSIA, FRANCE, ITALY . Because they do have ability build such level helicopter by their own. the rest country in the world . give me a break. Don't embarrassing yourself .

[traimai]

US government gave to the China army about 20 Black horse helicopters

[eliteteamresource]

Exactly like US military copter. Just repaint it and they can cause havov in US military

[whoocuagain]

Hello Youths around the World!
this masaage is not a joke!
the big war had been created by old men(called as governments).
The young powers are not for killing people or someone !
so... we(young) need to stand up for World peace!
And this is the injustice virus between old(governments) and young !

Hey youths,
there is no reason to kill someone for making money or getting citizenship.

we(young )should stand up with justice and peace around the World!
Because the big war (may be to WW3)has been created by old men(russia, china, and US)🤷‍♂️

[bmark]

Next one to copy is either gonna be a Hind or a Chinook.

[enabledvetnoneya]

Well, THAT helo looks familiar! Thanks Hillary Clinton!!!!

[franceart]

its a black hawk .... Chinese obscenity

[MrBraddatz]

All the world sees is a blackhawk Ripoff.

[JohnTaylor-nekz]

Oh geez, that's a total copy of our old Blackhawk created during the Reagan administration.