D
Air ForcesChina

Z-8 (Zhishengji-8)

Multi-role helicopterFielded 1976Pending verification
Air ForcesCHN
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMulti-role helicopter
Date of introduction1976
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerSud Aviation AérospatialeMed[1]
Crew3Med[1]
Flight performance
Engine3 x Turbomeca Turmu IIIC Turboshaft EnginesMed[1]
Thrust / power1,570 hr each engineMed[1]
Range1,020 km634 mi · 551 nmiMed[1]
Service ceiling3,150 m10,335 ftMed[1]
Rate of climb401 meters per min; 6.66 m/sMed[1]
Endurance4 hoursMed[1]
Protection
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Counter Measures (Chaff/Flares)YesMed[1]
Armament and payload
Hardpoints2 eaMed[1]
Wing Mounted WeaponsThe helicopter can accommodate rockets and gun pods on the external pylons for anti-piracy missions.Med[1]
ArmamentYJ-8/C-802 (NATO: CSS-N-4 Sardine); YJ-83 (CSS-N-8 Saccade); A244S TorpedoMed[1]
Fire control
Fire Control RadarBar-shape ArrayMed[1]
Dipping SonarYes, HS-12 dipping sonarMed[1]
SonobuoysAvailableMed[1]
Sensors noteThe Helicopter can carry anti-submarine and Anti-ship torpedoes externallyMed[1]
Variants
Z-8AThe Z-8A is a military version of the original model Z-8 and is used for transportation.[1]
Z-8DThe Z-8D is a latest-generation variant of the long‑running Z‑8 helicopter family, optimized specifically for naval operations and amphibious assault support.[1]
Z-8FThe Z-8F is an advance utility variant. The variant is used for search and rescue, general utility and logistics support missions. The Z-8F is installed with three Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B turboshaft engines.[1]
Z-8K/KAThe Z-8K is an enhanced version of Z-8F, built primarily to execute search and rescue missions. This variant is also fitted with forward looking infra-red (FLIR) sensors and a search light underneath the cockpit.[1]
Z-8JAThe Z-8JA is a ship-borne variant of Z-8. It is able to land on water. Z-8JA and Z-8JH are currently in service with PLANAF, executing transport and medical evacuation operations respectively.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
YJ-8/C-802 (NATO: CSS-N-4 Sardine)Anti-Ship & Air-to-Surface Missiles
Med[1]
Range
42 km26 mi · 23 nmi
Quantity
2 ea
Type
Anti-Ship & Air-to-Surface Missiles
Guidance
Inertial navigation/active radar homing terminal guidance
Warhead
High-explosive fragmentation
Warhead weight
165 kg
Speed
Mach 0.9
Length
5.81 m
YJ-83 (CSS-N-8 Saccade)Subsonic anti-ship cruise missile
Med[1]
Range
180 km112 mi · 97 nmi
Quantity
2 ea
Type
Subsonic anti-ship cruise missile
Guidance
Inertial navigation/active radar homing terminal guidance
Warhead
High-explosive fragmentation
Warhead weight
190 kg
Speed
Mach 0.9
A244S TorpedoFire and Forget Torpedo
Med[1]
Range
6 km4 mi · 3 nmi
Type
Fire and Forget Torpedo
Length
2.75 m
Summary

The Changhe Z-8 (Zhishengji-8) is a triple-engine, multi-role helicopter designed and manufactured by the Changhe Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) of China. It is derived from SA 321 Super Frelon Helicopter built by Aerospatiale.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
China
Sources
  1. Z-8 (Zhishengji-8) Chinese Multi-Role Helicopter, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-06-30 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import