Spotlight on PLA's helicopters in Beijing V-J Day parade

China showed the world its achievements in developing assault helicopters in the military parade in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, reports Shanghai-based online outlet the Paper.With the exception of nine Z-8B transport helicopters, the rest of the 87 helicopters that took part in the display were assault helicopters including the Z-9WA, Z-9WZ, Z-10H, Z-10 and Z-19. The difference between the two variants of the Z-9 is that the Z-9WA is an assault helicopter while the Z-9WZ is designed as an armed scout attack helicopter. It is based on the French Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin.

Though China was able to introduce eight Aerospatiale Gazelle helicopters from France, the Paper said the country has focused primarily on the development of its own assault helicopters since the Z-9 does not have all-weather combat capability. The PLA also requires a helicopter that can carry a greater weapons payload, the Paper said.

Developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation based in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, the primary mission of the Z-10 helicopter is to engage enemy tanks, though it can also carry the TY-90 air-to-air missile to destroy enemy helicopters as well, the report said. The Z-10 is intended to provide support to PLA ground forces in the same manner as the US Apache helicopter, while the smaller Z-19 fills a role akin to the OH-58D scout helicopter, the report said.