CHINESE Z-19E ATTACK HELICOPTER COMPLETES MAIDEN FLIGHT

The Chinese-made military helicopter, known as Z-19E, has taken its maiden flight in Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, today. 

Chinese Z-19E attack helicopter

The Harbin Z-19, also called WZ-19, is a Chinese reconnaissance/attack helicopter developed by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC) for the People's Liberation Army Air Force and the Ground Force Air Force. It is built using components of the Harbin Z-9 which is a licence built version of the Eurocopter Dauphin.

The Z-19 features a fenestron tail, damping its sound and therefore allows it achieve some level of acoustic stealthiness. The exhausts also protect the helicopter from infrared threats. The helicopter is installed with a millimeter wave (MMW) fire control radar.

The Z-19 also features armor platings, crash resistant seats, and a turret with FLIR, TV, and laser range finder. Z-19 is also equipped with advanced helmet mounted sight (HMS), which looks different from that of WZ-10 model.

It is expected to function and support with a heavier attack helicopter, the CAIC WZ-10, in the near future.

Photo credits: China Xinhua News