Chinese army WZ-10 attack helicopter to receive new engine to boost climb rate by 20% and acceleration by 10%.

China-arms.com reports that significant attention was recently drawn to the multimedia piece titled "Chasing Dreams," a collaborative effort by the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission, the Cyberspace Administration of China, and China Media Group. The piece shed light on a groundbreaking development - the successful validation of a new engine that is set to be integrated into the WZ-10 armed helicopter.

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WZ-10 attack helicopter (Picture source: screenshot from CCTV)

In Episode 8 of "Chasing Dreams" titled "Strengthening the Military through Diligence and Struggle," the remarkable advancements of the army in high-level combat readiness, efficient struggle, and high-quality development were showcased. A major highlight of the episode was the revelation of the imminent engine upgrade for the WZ-10 attack helicopter.

According to the video, the new engine's installation is expected to enhance the helicopter's climb rate by approximately 20% and improve acceleration by about 10%, aligning with earlier predictions. The validation process with the army was successfully completed in April 2023, paving the way for widespread adoption and bolstering the helicopter's performance in complex environments. The forthcoming upgrade marks a significant milestone for the WZ-10 armed helicopter, as it promises enhanced power performance output and a wider optimal working range, addressing the long-standing "heart problem" associated with the helicopter, which had been a concern for military enthusiasts. The power system's previous limitations were seen as the "Achilles' heel" of the WZ-10.

In the past, due to the subpar performance of the initial WZ-9 engine compared to the PT6, the finalized WZ-10 had to undergo considerable weight reduction, leading to some compromises in armor, payload capacity, and flight envelope. However, this weight reduction created additional internal space, enabling an increase in fuel capacity, making the WZ-10 armed helicopter possess the largest combat radius during that period.

Recent improvements in the WZ-10's performance have allowed the WZ-9 engine to overcome initial challenges and support high-altitude combat missions while providing ample power reserves for large-scale composite armor. As a result, the WZ-10 is now deployed across the country, making appearances in plateaus and dense forests.

In response to the upgrades in external armor, certain WZ-10 armed helicopters have adopted an upward-facing engine exhaust port structure. This configuration offers advantages, such as the main rotor airflow reducing the exhaust port's temperature, minimizing infrared features, and decreasing the likelihood of being targeted by certain missiles. However, it also presents a disadvantage, as the upward airflow from the tail exhaust port increases the helicopter's resistance, demanding more from the engine.