China Shows off Advanced Z-21 Helicopter, Competitor to American Apache

JAKARTA – China continues to develop new types of weapons. Based on information circulating, the Bamboo Curtain country is currently building the advanced Z-21 combat helicopter.

This helicopter attracts attention because it has similar characteristics to three well-known models. Namely the American AH-64 Apache, Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter and Z-20 helicopter.

Reporting from Essanews, Wednesday (27/3/2024), images and videos showing China’s new attack helicopters circulated on social media. The new helicopter is significantly different from the combat helicopters currently used by China.

Andreas Rupprecht, a Chinese air force expert, verified the authenticity of the photos and confirmed that the Z-21 was a development of the Z-XX. This helicopter is designed to be a powerful platform capable of carrying large and powerful weaponry, similar to Apache or the Russian Mi-28.

Rupprecht believes that the Z-21 is a heavy attack helicopter designed to meet the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) needs to provide close air support to ground troops, destroy tanks and other armored vehicles, and conduct anti-ship operations.

Although detailed specifications of the Z-21’s powertrain are still being kept under wraps, it is likely that this combat helicopter will use an engine adapted from the Z-20. This helicopter is predicted to be operational within the next three years, competing with the Apache on the battlefield.

From the images and videos circulating, the Z-21 combat helicopter may be equipped with various advanced features, including:

1. Five-bladed main rotor

This rotor design provides a balance between performance and stability, allowing the Z-21 to maneuver quickly and nimbly across the battlefield.