Recently, particular attention has been paid in Beijing to air assault means.
At the Seventh China Helicopter Expo in Tianjin, one of the main events was the demonstration of the Z-20T attack helicopter developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The machine impressed spectators with precise and dynamic maneuvers, showcasing a high level of combat readiness and technological maturity of Chinese aviation.
During the demonstration flight, the all-weather helicopter performed a series of precise figures, including a welcome hover, a backward climb, and a vertical ascent, concluding the demonstration with the release of flares symbolizing readiness for combat conditions. The appearance of the Z-20T at the exhibition was one of the rare public displays of this machine: the last time the helicopter was seen in flight was on September 3 during the Victory Parade in Beijing, when seven machines flew over Tiananmen Square.
The Z-20T is an army modification of the Z-20 helicopter, designed for air assault operations, fire support, and special missions. According to AVIC engineers, the machine also has a high payload capacity, allowing it to transport troops and equipment even in challenging combat conditions.
As part of the exhibition, organized with the participation of the People's Liberation Army of China, special attention was given to the demonstration of modern air assault means — from helicopters and drones to the latest aviation weapon systems. Against this backdrop, the upgraded Z-20T stood out with its redesigned structure: unlike the base version, it features shortened wings on the fuselage, intended for the installation of auxiliary fuel tanks and armaments. This significantly increases the aircraft's range and firepower.
Designers emphasized the adaptability of the Z-20T as one of its main advantages: by removing the armament, the helicopter can be easily converted into a transport version, and the modular mounting system allows it to be reconfigured for a wide range of tasks, from cargo transport to search and rescue operations.
The base model Z-20, which entered service in 2018, became China's first independent project of a 10-ton all-weather multipurpose helicopter. It is often compared to the American Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk; however, the Chinese machine has already evolved into a whole family of modifications designed for various types of troops.
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