The development trend of domestic equipment in recent years is obvious to all. Not only is the development speed fast, but most of the technology has caught up with the advanced level of the West. For example, the double-cone gliding anti-ship weapon launched by 055 not long ago can even be said to have created the "capital ship" era. . But strictly speaking, it is difficult to cover everything in the rapid development. Some subsystems and equipment are still insufficient. For example, in the important helicopter field, the development of domestic models is not very balanced. Even in the post-20s era, there is still a lack of large-tonnage models. ship-based helicopter . Recently, we have seen the transformation of the Z-8 into the AC313A helicopter. This may be one of the most anticipated domestic helicopters to fly this year after the debut of the Z-20 naval version. It is said that the improved performance of the AC313A is close to that of the first-generation Sea Stallion.
According to the official Weibo report of the Aviation Industry Helicopter Research Institute, the AC313A has completed the first three cycles of durability testing before its first flight, which provides a good foundation for subsequent test flights. The so-called durability test is actually different from the static test of the whole fuselage and generally takes a shorter time. For example, this test is a 50-hour cycle test before the first flight.
Judging from the pictures in the report, the joint ground test before the first flight of AC313A has entered the final sprint, and relevant personnel also took a group photo in front of the relevant prototype of AC313. In the group photo, we also found several Westerners, who we guessed were partners of the turboshaft aerospace engine, or suppliers of some other subsystems, who might be on hand to provide some technical support. After all, the current use of AC313A is for civilian use, and it is very normal to use Western engines.
According to speculation by military fans, the current AC313A may use the ANETO 1C turboshaft engine (ANETO-1C) from France's Safran.
This engine can greatly improve the plateau performance of AC3131A and make it a 13-ton or high-performance heavy-duty helicopter. It is said to be the fifth-generation foreign turboshaft engine. It uses 3D win-win and new-generation single crystal materials. While the volume and weight are almost unchanged, the power is 25% higher than that of RTM322, and the fuel consumption is reduced by 15%. At the same time, the noise , emissions and other indicators have also been effectively enhanced.
From the current point of view, AC313A may also adopt a dual-military and civilian solution, as is the case for Black Hawk and Chinook. If the model is satisfied with its performance after a successful test flight, it is speculated that a military model may appear. After all, there is currently a lack of this type of military helicopter in China. The military version may not use Safran Aneto Aircraft. The matter of Pratt & Whitney and Wuzhi 10 is a lesson learned, so it may switch to use turboshaft 10 or PT6 improved version, turboshaft 10 itself It is also equivalent to the fourth-generation foreign turboshaft engine, with a power of 1600KW, so installing three units will also have 4800KW, which is enough to meet the needs of military models, and having technical independence is more suitable for logistics and other aspects.
From a performance perspective, although AC313A is developed on the basis of AC313, and AC313 is continuously upgraded based on Z8, the relationship between AC313 and Z8 can be described as "transformation". Since the AC313A Iron Bird test period, military fans have speculated that this model has changed a lot in design compared to the AC313A 8, such as adopting a wide body structure, a tilted tail rotor, a new transmission system, and avionics, flight control, and control The system has been modernized and updated to meet multiple complex conditions such as high altitude and cold climate. At the same time, the new engine also makes its performance a leap compared to the Z-8. It is said that its fuel consumption, range, and carrying capacity have reached the level of the first-generation Sea Stallion CH-53A, and it may have a minimum hanging capacity of about 4 tons.
Don’t look at this 5-ton suspension. For the domestic amphibious assault ship , such a suspension capacity will be needed in the future. For many current light 155mm howitzers or light combat vehicles, it is about 4-5 Around tons. If everything can be transported by hanging, it will be much easier than the existing in-plane transportation, release and shipment, and this is also a reflection of the strong delivery capability of the US military.
This is not to mention the huge market prospects and economic value of AC313A in civil transportation, business, and plateau cold environment. It can be said that AC313A is no less than the Wuzhi-10 of the year, completely reshaping the new pattern of domestic heavy-duty helicopters in China.
