AH-64 Apache competitor...China Z-10

 

The Z-10 is a Chinese-made multi-role attack helicopter, the first pure attack helicopter from China, developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The helicopter has been in production since 2003, but entered service with the Chinese military in 2009/2010. Designed for ground combat missions, it is capable of carrying anti-tank missiles, rockets, and cannons, and has day and night combat capabilities. The latest export variant, the Z-10ME, features enhancements such as an infrared suppressor system and additional armor to enhance missile survivability. It has also been ordered and is operated by the Pakistan Army.

The Z-10 has a conventional attack helicopter configuration with a narrow fuselage and a double-decker tandem cockpit, with the gunner at the front and the pilot at the rear. The Z-10 is equipped with a variety of weapons mounted on four hardpoints on the stub wings and a chin-mounted gun turret.

Main Armament: Chin-Mounted Cannon: A chin-mounted turret can be armed with a 23mm PX-10A or 30mm automatic cannon. Anti-Tank Missiles (ATGM) The HJ-10 (Hong Jian-10) missile, which is comparable to the US AGM-114 Hellfire missile. Export variants use names such as AKD-10, CM-502KG, or CM-501GA. The HJ-8 or HJ-9 laser-guided missile. Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) The TY-90 (Tian Yan-90) light missile for self-defense against air threats such as other helicopters or drones. Rockets:

57mm, 70mm, or 90mm unguided or unguided rocket pods for close air support.

Radar and Sensors The Z-10 relies on a combination of electro-optical sensors and, on later variants, advanced radar systems: Fire control radar: Early domestic variants lack a visible mast-mounted radar, but export variants of the Z-10ME and some upgraded PLA units can be equipped with a YH millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar mounted above the main rotor, similar to the AH-64 Apache. This radar provides all-weather targeting capabilities and effective target detection in complex battlefields. Electro-Optical (EO/IR) System: A nose-mounted electro-optical sensor turret (WXG1006) integrates: A Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) for nighttime operations and low-visibility conditions. A Low-Light TV (LLTV) system. A laser rangefinder and designator for guiding laser-guided missiles.

Avionics and Self-Defense Systems: Helmet-Mounted Sight (HMS): The pilot and gunner have a helmet-mounted display system with integrated night vision goggles, allowing them to aim their weapons simply by moving their heads. Warning Receivers: The Z-10 is equipped with early warning systems, including: Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). Laser Warning Receiver (LWR). Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS). Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): The helicopter has a chaff/flare dispenser to deter incoming missiles, as well as an infrared jammer. External Pods: Can carry a BM/KG300G self-defense jamming pod or a "Blue Sky" navigation pod.