China recently conducted flight tests of its next-generation Z-21 attack helicopter, which bears a striking resemblance to the American-made AH-64 Apache, a helicopter also operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Z-21 appears to have been developed from the Z-20 model, which itself is inspired by the UH-60 Black Hawk.
Notable similarities between the Z-21 and AH-64 Apache include:
- Tandem cockpit configuration
- AH-64-style canopy and cheek fairings
- Electro-optical system and gun placement under the nose and fuselage
- Stub wings with hardpoints for various armaments
- Robust and efficient powerplants
The Z-21 also shares design elements with the Z-20, such as the powerplant, rotors and tail section, likely to speed up development and reduce costs. However, the Z-21 adopts a slimmer silhouette optimized for attack missions and features improvements in self-defense systems and infrared signature reduction for enhanced battlefield survivability.
The Indian Air Force operates 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, which were inducted in 2019. The Apaches provide the IAF with advanced attack capabilities, especially in the rugged mountain regions along the India-China border.
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While the similarities between the Z-21 and AH-64 are striking, it’s important to note that reverse engineering and imitation, while accelerating the process, are not straightforward or easy[3]. The Z-21 is expected to complement China’s existing Z-10 attack helicopters and potentially replace them within the next two to three years.
The development of the Z-21 underscores China’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military aviation capabilities in the face of increasing regional tensions. The helicopter’s resemblance to the AH-64 Apache, a proven and capable attack helicopter also operated by India, highlights the convergence in design concepts and the competitive nature of military aviation development between the two nations.