(Photo : DENIS LOVROVIC/AFP via Getty Images)
The Chinese Z-20 and the US Black Hawk may have similar appearances, but their capacities are more distinct.
Chinese Z-20 designer claims the China-developed utility helicopter is better in many terms than the US Black Hawk.Though the basis is the UH-60, many changes have been implemented, according to the state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV).
Chinese Z-20 Helicopter
Deng Jinghui commented as he was questioned on a CCTV program last Saturday if the homegrown helicopter has replicated or taken inspiration from the UH-60 due to the similarities in looks between the two choppers, reported the Global Times.
A 4th-generation helicopter that has several innovations the Black Hawk does not, along with a fly-by-wire flight control system, which is a common feature to render a helicopter ranking as among 4th generation, Deng stated.
China had little reference once it produced the fly-by-wire flight controls by itself; nevertheless, this same chief designer said that the Black Hawk with fly-by-wire updates has still not started operating. He asserted that the Chinese Z-20 medium-lift helicopter has active vibration and noise control mechanisms, whereas the Black Hawk helicopter does not.
Deng emphasizes that the American Black Hawk helicopter must still adapt and install specific equipment and avionics into its Chinese-improved UH-60 template. It has a robust engine that can operate in high-altitude operations and has been completely designed and constructed in China.
As said by Chen Guang, vice general manager of AVICOPTER, the helicopter division of the government-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), in an interview earlier with the Global Times, noted Digit News.
The medium vertical lift vehicle has these goodies as part of the 4th generation package in its airframe.
Fly-by-wire technology, a vibration reduction system, and even a five-blade rotor with a high-performance aerodynamic shape have all been integrated into what some might consider a mere copy but is years ahead of its time.
A utility helicopter to be used as a mule by the PLA, but with the promise of many variants that can be developed from its capable airframe. Manufactured to be made in numbers and types, the Chinese military can imagine its template.
Medium-Lift Helicopters Distinct Features
Although the Sikorsky S-70/UH-60 and the Z-20 have comparable configurations, there are a few visual distinctions, such as a more squared-off fuselage silhouette, especially at the back of the passenger compartment, per The EurAsian Times.
A less obvious improvement made by the Chinese is the use of two windshields rather than three, which has a significant impact on improving visibility for the pilots inside. The S70-C has two windshields equipped with weather radar and a more compact FLIR infrared nose turret, unlike the Z-10 and Z-19. Pilots like the US Pave Low can fly even at night in the worst visibility.
A powerful rotorcraft capable of airlifting a new light howitzer like the US M777 for attack and air defense, it can mount machine guns and various armaments like its template.
At high altitudes, the rotor has de-icing when it's very frosty, and dual WZ-10 turboshafts with 2,400 hp each. It has been in service for a while too. By far, the Chinese Z-20, in comparison to the US Black Hawk, has made innovations that make it a different helicopter with better specs.
Related Article: China Makes knockoffs of Black Hawk Helicopter, Hellfire ATG Missiles
