The debate about the FB-10A missiles for the CS/SA5 anti-aircraft missiles has not yet died down, today we will talk about the new Chinese helicopter Z-10ME.
The main armament of this helicopter is not the AKD-9 or 10, although in reality it can carry and use them. HJ-10 and HJ-9. Do you think I pulled these letters out of thin air??
The Chinese attack helicopter Z-10ME (export modification WZ-10*) is a modern combat vehicle developed by *Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) for the international market.
Main characteristics of the Z-10ME:
- Crew: 2 people (pilot and weapons operator)
- Engines: 2 × turboshaft WZ-9 (or improved versions), providing better thrust-to-weight ratio compared to early Z-10
- Maximum speed: ~300 km/h
- Practical range: ~800 km
- Practical ceiling: ~6,000 m
Z-10ME armament:
1. Guided missiles
- ATGM:
- HJ-10 (analogous to AGM-114 Hellfire) – laser-guided missile with tandem warhead, range up to 10 km.
- HJ-9 - a lighter ATGM with a range of up to 5 km.
- BA-7 - a new missile with the ability to destroy armored vehicles and fortified targets.
- Air-to-air missiles:
- TY-90 - a specialized missile for combating helicopters and UAVs, with a range of up to 6 km.
-The HJ-9 ATGM has a limited range, but is fast, unlike the HJ-10
The HJ-10 is a Chinese high-precision anti-tank missile (ATGM) designed to destroy armored vehicles, fortified positions, and low-flying, low-speed targets. It is an analogue of the American AGM-114 Hellfire and is widely used on attack helicopters, including the Z-10ME, as well as on UAVs and ground launchers.
HJ-10 Main Specifications
- Type: Laser-guided / radio command (different seeker options are possible)
- Caliber: ~150–170 mm
- Length: ~1.7–1.8 m
- Missile weight: ~40–45 kg
- Warhead: Tandem HEAT (penetrates up to 1000–1200 mm of armor behind ERA)
- Firing range:
- Minimum: ~500 m
- Maximum: 8–10 km (depending on modification)
- Flight speed: ~400–500 m/s (supersonic)
- Guidance:
- Semi-active laser (SACLOS) – requires illumination targets
- Options with radio command or IR homing are possible
- Platforms:
- Helicopters (Z-10, Z-19, Z-20)
- UAVs (Wing Loong, CH-5)
- Ground-based ATGMs
Features and comparison with analogues
| Parameter | HJ-10 (China) | AGM-114 Hellfire (USA) | 9M120 Ataka (Russia) | Spike-ER (Israel) |
|--------------|------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------|
| Guidance | Laser/radio | Laser/Radar/IR | Radio Command/Laser | Electro-Optical/IR |
| Range | Up to 10 km | Up to 8–11 km | Up to 6–8 km | Up to 8–10 km |
| Warhead | Tandem | Tandem/Fragmentation | Tandem/Thermobaric | Tandem/HE fragmentation |
| Carriers | Helicopters, UAVs | Helicopters, UAVs | Helicopters, IFVs | Helicopters, UAVs |
Advantages of the HJ-10:
✅ High accuracy (CEP ~0.5–1 m)
✅ Possibility of hitting not only armored vehicles, but also pillboxes, low-flying helicopters
✅ Compatibility with Chinese UAVs and helicopters
✅ Lower cost compared to Western counterparts
Disadvantages:
❌ Dependence on laser guidance (vulnerable to smoke screens and electronic warfare)
❌ Limited effectiveness against modern active defense systems (e.g., Arena-M, Trophy)
HJ-10 modifications
- HJ-10A – basic version with laser guidance.
- HJ-10B – improved seeker (combined guidance system is possible).
- HJ-10E – export version with adaptation for different carriers.
Combat use
- Used by China and importing countries (Pakistan, African countries, Middle East).
- Can be used with UAVs for precision strikes on tanks and fortifications.
- The Z-10ME helicopter can carry up to 8–16 HJ-10 missiles (depending on configuration).
Conclusion: The HJ-10 is an effective ATGM, making the Z-10ME a dangerous opponent for modern tanks and fortifications. However, its effectiveness depends on the conditions of use and the level of enemy counteraction.
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Main documents(data)
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https://nevskii-bastion.ru/z-10-china/
https://www.airwar.ru/enc/ah/z10me.html#LTH
https://aviadejavu.ru/Site/Crafts/Craft29765.htm
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.china-arms.com/2024/02/z-10me-debuts-in-singapore-airshow/amp/
