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Air ForcesChina

Z-9 Harbin (WZ-9)

Medium multi-role helicopterFielded 1981Pending verification
Air ForcesCHN
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMedium multi-role helicopter
Date of introduction1981
ProliferationAt least 12 countries
Crew9–12Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Height4.01 m13 ftMed[1]
Empty weight2,050 kg4,519 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Thrust / power650 hp eachMed[1]
Rate of climb549 mpsMed[1]
Service ceiling4,500 m14,764 ftMed[1]
Ferry range1,000 kmMed[1]
Endurance5 hoursMed[1]
Protection
Anti-ArmorYesMed[1]
Heat Signature ReductionYesMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
EWYesMed[1]
Chaff Flare DispensersYesMed[1]
EW Counter Measures/CCMYesMed[1]
Armament and payload
Hardpoints2 eaMed[1]
Armament2 x fixed 23-mm guns or 12.7-mm MGs. Two pylons permit mounting up to 8 ATGMs, or 4 plus 2 rocket pods.Med[1]
Most probable armamentCombat versions (WZ-9 and Z-9G) have Twin 23-mm gun, four Red Arrow-8F ATGMs, 2x 7-round 90-mm rocket pods, and 2 TY 90 IR-homing AAMs.Med[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: locationWing MountedMed[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: functionWire-Guided Anti-Tank Missile SystemMed[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: caliber/length1,566 mmMed[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: diameter120 mmMed[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: muzzle velocity200 m/sMed[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: operational range3,000-4,000 mMed[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: guidance systemSACLOS Wire GuidanceMed[1]
HJ-8 or HJ-8E ATMs: number of rounds8 eaMed[1]
Single Twin Barrel GSh-23L Autocannon: locationChinMed[1]
Single Twin Barrel GSh-23L Autocannon: caliber/length23 x 115 mmMed[1]
Single Twin Barrel GSh-23L Autocannon: maximum effective range2 kmMed[1]
Single Twin Barrel GSh-23L Autocannon: cyclic rate of fire3,000 rpmMed[1]
Single Twin Barrel GSh-23L Autocannon: muzzle velocity690 m/sMed[1]
Single Twin Barrel GSh-23L Autocannon: number of rounds1,000 eaMed[1]
Fire control
KTR-908 VHF Command Radio SetAvailableMed[1]
TB-31 Intercom SystemAvailableMed[1]
X-Band KLC-1 Search RadarAvailableMed[1]
Variants
Z-9AMilitary production version with some upgrades, such as Arriel 1C2 engine, upgrade instrument panel, and 150-kg payload increase.[1]
Z-9A 100Prototypes for domestic market versions with WZ8A engines. First flight 16 January 1992, approved 30 December 1992.[1]
Z-9BCurrent production version for multi-role use, based on Dauphin 2 designs. Changes include 11-blade tail rotor.[1]
Z-9CNaval version for ASW and SSM, with Sinatra HS-12 dipping sonar and torpedo. It has a datalink to support targeting for YJ-82 SSM. An expected near-term upgrade is the C-701 TV guided air-to-surface missile.[1]
WZ-9Light attack version of Z-9B (see ARMAMENT, left). Poss aka Z-9W. Export version is Z-9G.[1]
Z-9ZReconnaissance prototype.[1]
Z-9ECASW variant produced for the Pakistan Naval Air Arm. Configured with pulse-compression radar, low-frequency dipping sonar, radar warning receiver, and doppler navigation system, it is also armed with torpedoes for use aboard Pakistan Navy's Zulfiquar-class…[1]
Z-9EHTransport, emergency and/or passenger variant.[1]
Summary

Despite statements from some sources, WZ-9 is too lightly protected to be an "Attack helicopter".

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
BoliviaChinaCameroonGhanaKenyaCambodiaLaosMaliMauritaniaNamibiaPakistanZambia
Sources
  1. Z-9 Harbin (WZ-9) Chinese Medium Multi-Role 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