The Harbin Z-5 (Zhishengji – helicopter) is a Chinese variant of the Soviet Mil Mi-4 piston powered helicopter. Before its discontinuation from service, it was produced in Harbin, China.
History The Soviets provided China with Mi-4 blueprints just a few years before the Sino-Soviet split in 1958; maiden flight was in 1958 and mass production started in the mid-1960s. China has produced a number of unique variants through this model, and the Z-5 was employed by the PLA, PLAAF and PLANAF in large numbers as reserve forces. A total of 558 Z-5 were built. A few Z-5 helicopters were modified to carry machine-guns and rocket pods.
During the Chinese-Western rapprochement, one Z-5 was refitted with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-6 "Twin Pac" turbo-shaft engine in 1979. Some sources refer to this as the Z-6, but this variant was discontinued after its first model.Source: www.vectorsite.net by Greg Goebel (public domain)
Variants Generally, Chinese military aircraft have different names for domestic and export models, but this aircraft has consistently been designated "Z-5." Z-5A Military transport helicopter. In terms of the original aircraft, it is equivalent to the Mi-4. Z-5B assault helicopter Some Z-5 were converted to carry rocket pods on outriggers in addition to a gondola with a forward firing machine gun manned by the flight engineer.In terms of the original aircraft, it is equivalent to the Mi-4A. Z-5C Xuanfeng Civil transport helicopter. In terms of the original aircraft, it corresponds to the Mi-4P. Z-5D helicopter VIP versions distinguishable by larger rectangular windows in the cabin. In terms of the original aircraft, it is equivalent to the Mi-4S. Z-5E agricultural helicopter Some Z-5s were fitted with chemical hoppers and/or spray gear for agricultural or forestry protection use. In terms of the original aircraft, it is equivalent to the Mi-4Skh. Z-5F helicopter Thirteen Z-5s are known to have been converted to SAR helicopters with a winch and external fuel tanks. In terms of the original aircraft, it is equivalent to the Mi-4MO. Harbin/CHDRI Z-6 A turboshaft variant of the Z-5, eleven aircraft built.
Operators
Current
Korean People's Army Air Force − 48 Mi-4s and Z-5s as of 2024
Former
Albanian Air Force − 37 Z-5s (31 Z-5A, 6 Z-5D) received from China between 1967 and 1971 to replace Soviet-built Mi-4s in service. By 2010, they were replaced with Bell 205, Bell 206, AgustaWestland AW109, and MBB Bo 105 helicopters. All Z-5 have been retired from Albanian Air Force service.
People's Liberation Army Air Force − Operated 350 Z-5s and Z-6s in 2010 People's Liberation Army Ground Force People's Liberation Navy − Operated at least six Z-5s in 2010 Khmer Rouge National Army of Democratic KampucheaGunston, An Illustrated Guide to Military Helicopters (1981), p. 112. − Status unknown after 1990s
Specifications (Z-5)
See also
References
Bibliography Bill Gunston, An Illustrated Guide to Military Helicopters, Salamander Books Ltd, London 1981.