WZ-10 THUNDERBOLT

Changhe WZ-10 (another designation: CAIC WZ-10) is a modern Chinese attack helicopter, with a fixed-wheel undercarriage, with a classic layout with a main rotor and a rear rotor on the tail beam. The drive is probably provided by two WZ-9 engines with a capacity of 1,350 HP each. The flight of the first prototype took place in April 2003, but the machine did not enter the lines of the Chinese army until 2012. It is estimated that at present there are over 120 machines of this type in it. The Changhe WZ-10 helicopter project was commissioned by the Chinese armed forces by the Russian Kamov design bureau. The project, probably with considerable Russian technological assistance, had already been developed and implemented by domestic research centers. The WZ-10 is a kind of Chinese response to helicopters like A-129 Mangusta or Eurocopter Tiger. It is a relatively heavy machine, adapted primarily to counter the armored weapons of a potential enemy with guided missiles and an on-board cannon. It also has limited abilities to conduct air-to-air combat with enemy helicopters. At present, the only user of the WZ-10 is China, despite attempts to interest Pakistan in this machine.