Changhe Z-11


The Changhe Z-11 is a light utility helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation. According to the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation website, it is claimed to be the first indigenously-designed helicopter in China. However, it is largely based on the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil.

Development

The Z-11 project started in 1989 and the first flight was made in Dec 1994. In Oct 2000, test flights of Z-11 were completed. The chief designer of Z-11 is Mr. Wu Ximing, who is also the chief designer of three other Chinese helicopters, including the Z-10. Under Mr. Wu, the Z-11 became the first Chinese helicopter to be completely designed using CAD/CAM techniques.
The Z-11WB, the attack and reconnaissance variant, features pintle mount weapons and two weapon pylons on each side of the aircraft. The engine is replaced by Turbomeca Arriel 2B1A turboshaft engine developing 632 kW of power.

Variants

;Z-11: original unarmed version.
;Z-11W: military version of the Z-11
;Z-11WA: military reconnaissance and observation helicopter, fitted with a sensor pod.
;Z-11MB1: civilian and commercial version fitted with French Arriel 2B1A engine
;Z-11ME1: export civilian and commercial version.
;CZ-11W: export light attack helicopter variation. It is powered by one WZ-8D, LTS101-700D-2 or Arriel 2B1A turboshaft engine and is equipped with integrated avionics systems, antitank missiles, rockets and machine guns. The helicopter is fitted with a targeting sensor turret, and can carry four Chinese HJ-8 antitank missiles.
;Avicopter AC311: Multi-role civilian helicopter. Developed from earlier Z-11 models, featuring a redesigned airframe, cockpit, tail, a Honeywell LTS101-700D-2 engine, and other subsystems. 2 crew and four passengers. Maiden flight in 2011.
;Avicopter AC311A: Multi-role civilian helicopter. Developed from AC311, featuring a redesigned main rotor and other improvements, a license-built Arriel 2B1A turboshaft engine. Maiden flight in 2013.
;Z-11WB: Attack/reconnaissance helicopter developed from the AC311 platform. The first flight was on 28 September 2015. Officially unveiled at Zhuhai Airshow on 1 November 2016. Enhanced attack/reconnaissance variant with a new EO ball, redesigned cockpit, SW-6 UAV, and pylons for weapons. Its roles include ground support, attack, battlefield reconnaissance, command, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, and other tasks.

Operators