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| WZ-12 Stealth Attack Helicopter |
The WZ-12 Attack Helicopter is produced by Harbin, which has previously used 'stealthy' features on other helicopters, particular the Z-19. It is expected to be the world's first stealth attack helicopter employed by any nation outside of the United States and the first stealth attack helicopter employed as a general-service platform rather than a specialist system.
The WZ-12 borrows design features from a number of other aircraft. Like the Z-19, it uses a fenestron tail to reduce acoustic signature. To reduce noise from the main blades, Harbin opted to utilize blades built exclusively out of composite materials without the titanium shielding typically used. It is believed that the reduced noise signature offsets the minor loss in survivability. The WZ-12 also employs RAM and a stealthy fuselage design to reduce the aircraft's radar signature. The WZ-12's radar signature is 360 times smaller than the WZ-19's radar signature. This places it substantially below every other helicopter available on the export market.
The WZ-12 will incorporate a built-in 20mm autocannon with a 500-round magazine. The WZ-12 will also possess an internal weapons bay, being capable of carrying up to 750kg in internal weapons. This will allow the WZ-12 to carry 12 HJ-10 anti-tank missiles internally, divided into three four-missile stations. Alternative weapon stations carrying weapons of comparable weight, such as two PL-9 air-to-air missiles, are possible. Individual rocket pods are also possible. The WZ-12 cannot carry outboard weapons.
Specifications ;
Length: 13.48 m
Height: 3.12 m
Rotor Diameter: 10.39 m
Empty Weight: 3300 kg
Loaded Weight: 7700 kg
Speed
- Maximum: 295 kph
- Cruising: 315 kph
Range: 640 km
Flight Time: 4h
Flight ceiling: 4100m
Weapons: 20mm cannon (500 rounds)
Internal Weapons Bay: 750kg over three weapon stations (see load-out options above)
Powerplants: 2x AVIC 11 with the AVS-1-1 turbo-shaft engine (single 1180 hp)