Recently, there have been pictures on the Internet showing that Z-8 wider-type helicopter is coated with the “八一” emblem, which indicates that Z-8 wider-type probably has been successfully developed and will enter service soon.
Z-8 wider-type helicopter is a major improvement of Z-8 helicopter. It mainly widens the fuselage so that it could carry Shanmao (Bobcat) high-mobility tactical vehicles, and thus improves combat capability of Chinese Army’s landing forces.
Such widening has been seen on China’s AC313A civil helicopter, which was developed on the basis of Z-8.
However, the technological advancement of Z-8 wider-type helicopter is not only reflected in the widening of its fuselage. It has been improved in terms of engines and electronic systems, thereby effectively enhancing the performance of the helicopter.
And Z-8 wider-type helicopter might have been equipped with China’s domestic WZ-10 turboshaft engines, which is used on Z-20 tactical helicopters which were developed based on “Black Hawk” utility helicopter.