CAIC Z-10ME-02 - Fiercer Thunderbolt

Surbaissemaxxing · March 3, 2025, 7:34pm

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Suggestion No.63

G’day lads. I want to suggest an end-of-the-line helicopter for China, which is a modified Z-10, featuring more advanced electronics such as a radar, DIRCM and much more, all of which can be found on the CAIC Z-10ME-02, presented in 2024 :)

Description:

Spoiler

The Z-10ME-02 is an export-enhanced version of the original Z-10 attack helicopter, designed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), technically CAIC (Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation), but they’re a member from AVIC. This model was first showcased internationally at the Singapore Airshow 2024, marking its debut on the global stage. It features a streamlined fuselage, a single-rotor with a tail rotor, a tandem cockpit, and a rear three-point landing gear layout. One of the key improvements in the Z-10ME-02 is its upgraded engine. The helicopter now uses the WZ-9G engine, which boosts power output from 1200 hp to 1500 hp. Additionally, due to the increase in power, it also has new designed engine inlets with a centrifugal separation sand filter, which helps it in, you guessed it, sandy and windy areas. Additionally, the Z-10ME-02 incorporates additional armor around the fuselage and cockpit, providing enhanced protection against small-arms fire. It is equipped with countermeasure systems, including infrared/ultraviolet alarms, laser countermeasures, an active infrared jamming system (specifically DIRCM), and missile approach warning equipment on its short wings. In terms of armament, the Z-10ME-02 features a 23mm cannon and has four external hardpoints, supporting a payload capacity of up to 3 tons.

History:

Spoiler

The development of the Z-10 attack helicopter, also known as the WZ-10, began in the 1990s as part of China’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The project was led by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), with significant input from Russian helicopter design expertise from Kamov. The goal was to create a dedicated attack helicopter that could rival those of other leading military powers. The design phase of the Z-10 was marked by extensive collaboration with Russian Kamov engineers, who provided critical assistance in areas such as aerodynamics and rotor technology. In fact, Kamov most likely would’ve gone bankrupt if they weren’t needed for the creation of the Z-10! The first prototype of the Z-10 flew in 2003, and subsequent testing and refinement led to the helicopter’s introduction into the People’s Liberation Army in 2012.

An upgraded variant, named Z-10ME, was unveiled around 2018, where it featured more advanced weaponry and electronics. Currently Pakistan operates the Z-10ME, but they are looking for upgrades.

The Z-10ME-02 is an export-enhanced version of the Z-10ME, developed to cater to the international market. The design of the Z-10ME-02 began in the mid-2010s, with the goal of addressing specific requirements and feedback from potential foreign customers, such as a radar, more protective systems against lasers, IR/UV alarms and IR jammers (DIRCM). The Z-10ME-02 made its first public appearance at the Singapore Airshow 2024, where it garnered significant attention for its upgraded capabilities.

Armaments:

Spoiler

1 Type 23L 23mm cannon

TY-90 IR AAM

It should be noted that it can carry up to 16 ATGM’s

CM-502KG IR ATGM

AG-300M Laser ATGM

BA-21 mmW ATGM

AKD-10 Laser ATGM

CM-501XA loitering munition

GB-25/50 guided bombs

GR5 guided rockets

FS70A/B guided/airburst rockets

SW-6 drones

Radar, allegedly the same one found on the Z-19 (?)

DIRCM

MAW

Laser countermeasures

IR/UV alarms

(Some images contain older Z-10 variants, however it can still carry the weapons)

Specifications:

Spoiler

I can’t really find info about the weight and size of the Z-10ME, therefore the normal Z-10 will be used. It has a length of 14.2m, a rotor diameter of 13m and a height of 3.85m (although most likely is bigger due to radar). It weights around 5100kg empty, with a gross weight of 5540kg and a MTOW of 7200kg (although the Z-10ME-02 can carry up to 3 tons of extra weight). The Z-10ME-02 is powered by WZ-9G engines, which has a power output of 1500hp compared to the old 1200hp. Due to this, it most likely surpasses it’s old 290km/h max speed, and can now achieve a range up to 800km.