AVIC Advanced Heavy Lifter

The Advanced Heavy Lifter is a large helicopter project developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

Role Large helicopter
National origin China
Manufacturer Aviation Industry Corporation of China
Program cost $2 billion[1]

Development

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) Chinese WZ-20 was reportedly selected. In 2015, the joint project with Russian Helicopters grew to 38.2 t (84,000 lb), with a seven blade main 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).[2]

To power it, China will choose between the Ivchenko Progress D-136T manufactured by Ukraine’s Motor-Sich, powering the current Mi-26, and the Russian 12,000 hp (8,900 kW) PD-12V turboshaft developed from the Aviadvigatel PD-14 core for an updated Mi-26. After a $2 billion investment, AVIC hopes to produce 200.[1]

Design

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 the Sikorsky CH-53K than the 56 t (123,000 lb) MTOW Russian Mil Mi-26.[1] The 39.9 t (88,000 lb) CH-53K is the largest US helicopter.[2]

Specifications

Data from AIN online, 2018[1]

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 10 or 15 t (22,000 or 33,000 lb) internal or external payload
  • Gross weight: 38,700 kg (85,319 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 42,000 kg (92,594 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Motor-Sich D-136T or Aviadvigatel PD-12V turboshaft

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 270 km/h (170 mph, 150 kn)
  • Range: 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
gollark: Oh, 1/4 now.
gollark: We each have a 1/3 chance of winning the h, exciting.
gollark: I kind of prefer g, but I guess if it's a giveway I wouldn't mind h too.
gollark: "we like to look at things as if it all for us, as if something is so grand about us, in truth we can only be grand if we so choose, and can properly attain it. but if we can, then what ever IT is was never for us. and thus only a blip in time, our memory and all of action erased as if it was never there, what is so special about us? nothing really." sounds pretty nihilist.
gollark: No, seems like rebranded nihilism.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References
  1. Vladimir Karnozov (November 17, 2018). "AVIC Provides First Glimpse of Sino-Russian Heavy-lifter". AIN online.
  2. Bradley Perrett (Nov 7, 2018). "Avic AHL Helo Grows To 42 Metric Tons". Aviation Week Network.

Further reading
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