The Harbin Z-21 () is a type of heavy-weight, twin-turboshaft, attack helicopters based on the Harbin Z-20 airframe. Produced by the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG), the helicopter was first observed in China in March 2024. The United States Army University estimated that Z-21 would be inducted to the People's Liberation Army Ground Force Aviation (PLAGF) service in around late 2027.
Description The Z-21 has a tail section and rotor configuration similar to the Harbin Z-20, but with a thinner fuselage. A tandem cockpit replaces the side-by-side seating cockpit on the original. In front of the cockpit, an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret is fitted, while an autocannon is mounted below. A cheek fairing is added for additional ammunition and avionics. A millimeter-wave (mmW) radar is mounted on top of the rotor mast, with VHF/UHF communication antennas, satellite communication antennas, laser warning receivers (LWR), radar warning receivers (RWR), and a missile approach warning system (MAWS) mounted around the fuselage. The helicopter is fitted with two WZ-10 engines, rated at each with the exhaust direction changed to upward-facing to reduce the infrared signature.
According to Janes Information Services, at an estimated maximum takeoff weight of (in the same class as the AH-64E Apache and the Mi-28), The heavy-weight Z-21 allows the airframe to provide better protection and heavier payload than China's previous Changhe Z-10 helicopters, complementing the latter. Four hard points are fitted under the stub wings, while two more are mounted on the wingtips, for a total of six, which is more than the four hardpoints on the Z-10. Other than the stub wings, the Z-21 features hardpoints underneath the fuselage for carrying external fuel tanks, extending the helicopter's range and on-station endurance, which would be critical in a contested environment without forward arming and refuelling point (FARP).
Specifications (Z-21)
See also
References