| AVIC Advanced Heavy Lifter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Largetransport helicopter |
| National origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Aviation Industry Corporation of China |
TheAdvanced Heavy Lifter is a large helicopter project developed byAviation Industry Corporation of China.
In 2009, Avic projected a 30 t (66,000 lb) civil Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL), likely also useful to the Chinese military.In 2014, the 6,000 kW (8,000 hp) ChineseWZ-20 was reportedly selected.In 2015, the joint project withRussian Helicopters grew to 38.2 t (84,000 lb), with a seven blademain rotor and a 5,700 m (18,700 ft) ceiling.In 2016, Avic took control, leaving Russian Helicopters as a supplier, presumably of the transmission.In 2018, maximum weight grew again to 42 t (93,000 lb).[1]
To power it, China will choose between theIvchenko Progress D-136T manufactured by Ukraine'sMotor-Sich, powering the current Mi-26, and the Russian 12,000 hp (8,900 kW) PD-12V turboshaft developed from theAviadvigatel PD-14 core for an updated Mi-26.After a $2 billion investment, AVIC hopes to produce 200.[2]
The 38.7 t (85,000 lb) takeoff weight and a 42 t (93,000 lb) MTOW allow for a 10 t (22,000 lb) internal payload or a 15 t (33,000 lb) external one.AVIC targets a range of 800 km (432 nmi), a cruise of 270 km/h (146 kn) and a 6,000 m (20,000 ft) ceiling.Design targets are closer to theSikorsky CH-53K than the 56 t (123,000 lb) MTOW RussianMil Mi-26.[2]The 39.9 t (88,000 lb) CH-53K is the largest US helicopter.[1]
Data from AIN online, 2018[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era