Z-9W/WA/WE/WZ Dauphin
Z-9W is the first indigenous anti-armor attack helicopter derived from the license-built AS-365N. Its main armament are four KD-8 wire-guided ATGMs (range 600-3,000m, armor penetration >800mm). Besides anti-tank missiles, it can carry also two 57mm/90mm rocket pods, or two 12.7mm machine gun pods, or two 23mm cannons, or four TY-90 IR-guided AAMs. The helicopter wears an army camouflage but is lightly armored. It also lacks effective counter-measures against IR and laser guided SAMs. However one helicopter was seen fitted with an IRCM prototype (similar to American AN/ALQ-144) behind the main rotor but it never entered the service. A roof-mounted optical sight was tested as well. Its maximum take-off weight is 4,100kg, maximum speed 315km, maximum range 664km and ceiling 4,220m. The first prototype of Z-9W flew in 1989 and dozens have been produced (S/N LH959xx, 969xx, 979xx, 989xx, 999xx). Some Z-9Ws feature redesigned engine intakes with enhanced dust filters. An further improved night-attack version dubbed Z-9WA similar to AS 565CA Panther was developed in 2000 featuring more powerful engines and a new stub wing which can carry up to 8 KD-8 ATGMs, PL-90 or even FN-6 AAMs. Its nose is redesigned to carry a low-light TV/IRST turret (YY-1?) for night missions, with RWR antennas installed on both sides. A mast-mounted sight (or an MMW radar) prototype was also developed. Z-9WA has a better armor protection in the cockpit area, a flare launcher, datalink and a redesigned NVG compatible cockpit. An air data sensor is installed on the starboard side of the cabin. A large datalink antenna is installed underneath the boom. Z-9WAs have been entering service with the Army Aviation (S/N LH919xx, 929xx, 939xx, 949xx, 959xx, 969XX, 979XX, 989xx, 999xx, 9109xx) since early 2005 as a stop-gap measure until Z-10/Z-19 (see below) enters the service. An improved version (Z-9WZ) was also developed and it first flew on December 29, 2004. This variant is thought to feature an improved fire-control system including a laser designator which allows the helicopter to fire the new KD-10 ATGM. PLAAF also took delivery of a few Z-9WZs in 2007 (S/N 609x, 619x, 60x2x). Some of them are equipped with loudspeakers and a search light for SAR purpose. A similar variant (Z-9ZH) is also in service with the PLAAF unit stationed in Hong Kong (S/N 620x). It was reported that 4 Z-9WEs were delivered to Kenya in 2010, marking the first export success of this variant.
- Last Updated 3/9/12
another option for a light armed helo for the PAA