D
Air ForcesChina

Z-20

Medium transport helicopterFielded 2019Pending verification
Air ForcesCHN
Z-20
Photo: Z3144228 · CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMedium transport helicopter
Date of introduction2019
ProliferationOrigin country only
Crew2Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length20 m66 ftMed[1]
Height5.3 m17 ftMed[1]
Empty weight5,000 kg11,023 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine2 x WZ-10Med[1]
Thrust / power2,145 hp (1,142 kW) eachMed[1]
Speed360 km/h224 mph · 194 ktMed[1]
Cruise speed290 km/hMed[1]
Service ceiling4,000 m13,123 ftMed[1]
Range460 km286 mi · 248 nmiMed[1]
Armament and payload
Payload4,000 kg8,818 lbMed[1]
Main Gun SystemCan be armed with machine guns and possibly other weapons, such as anti-tank and air-to-air missiles, or pods with unguided rockets.Med[1]
Fire control
CommunicationsUHF/VHF antennasMed[1]
NavigationGPS/Beidou receiverMed[1]
Variants
Z-20FThe Z-20F is an anti-submarine warfare variant of the helicopter. It is equipped with foldable rotor blades and has pylons on both sides of the fuselage for carrying torpedoes.[1]
Z-20SThe Z-20S is a multirole naval variant of the Z-20 medium-lift utility helicopter. While the airframe of the Z-20S resembles that of the baseline Z-20, it features a modified undercarriage arrangement.[1]
Z-20K/Z-20KSThe Z-20K/Z-20KS is a variant of the Z-20 designed for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This helicopter serves multiple purposes, including transport, search and rescue, counter-terrorism, disaster relief, VIP escort, and utility roles.[1]
Z-20TThe Z-20T designation refers to an armed variant of the baseline Z-20 helicopter, also known as the Z-20W. Recent images published in an official report by the PLA Daily, along with a scaled model showcased at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, indicate that this…[1]
Z-20JThe Z-20J helicopter, developed by China’s Naval Landing Forces Air Force, made its debut at the 15th Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai City, located in Guangdong Province.[1]
Z-20KAAn assault model, supports anti-tank missiles and can transport special forces.[1]
Z-21The Z-21 helicopter exhibits characteristics typical of modern attack rotorcraft, including a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapon pylons, and a sensor turret located on the nose. Information about its internal systems is currently limited.[1]
Summary

The Z-20 Chinese Medium Transport Helicopter is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including high-mobility air and land operations. This versatile helicopter can also be deployed for search-and-rescue, reconnaissance, maritime operations, and special warfare.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
CompareShow on range mapJSON
Operators
China
Sources
  1. Z-20 Chinese Medium Transport Helicopter, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC0)