China modernizes its anti-submarine warfare capabilities as the new Z-20F becomes its primary shipborne helicopter
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As reported by Chinese social media on March 17, 2025, the fourth batch of Type 052D destroyers of the Chinese Navy is being fully equipped with Z-20F anti-submarine helicopters, marking a transition from the previously deployed Z-9C and Ka-28. A recently released image from Chinese sources shows the fourth batch of Type 052D destroyers docked at a shipyard with an articulated rotor helicopter in a folded state inside an open hangar, most likely a Z-20F. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Z-20F is expected to be integrated into various surface ships in the coming years, such as the Type 054B frigate, Type 052D, Type 052DM and Type 055 destroyers, Type 075 amphibious assault ships, Type 003 Fujian and future Type 004 aircraft carriers. (Picture source: Chinese social media)
Whether this is a real aircraft or a model is secondary, as it indicates that starting with this batch, the Z-20F will strengthen the Chinese Navy’s ability to establish an underwater defense perimeter, particularly in support of carrier strike group operations in deep-sea environments. The Z-20F is a navalized variant of the Z-20 medium-lift utility helicopter, itself based on the design of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. It incorporates a fly-by-wire control system, a five-blade main rotor, and structural modifications for maritime operations. Compared to the Z-9C, which has a combat radius of 50 km, the Z-20F offers an expanded operational range, allowing for greater coverage during ASW patrols.
The development of the Z-20F originated from China’s requirement for a medium-lift shipborne helicopter to support naval operations. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) first acquired 24 Sikorsky S-70C-2 Black Hawk helicopters in 1984, but further purchases were restricted due to the 1989 U.S. and European Union arms embargo. This led to the launch of an indigenous helicopter program, culminating in the first flight of the land-based Z-20 in 2013. The Z-20F variant was designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, incorporating mission-specific systems for detecting and engaging submarines. The Z-20F was first observed undergoing tests in 2018 and has since been refined through operational evaluations. At the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, both the Z-20F and its transport/assault variant, the Z-20J, were publicly displayed, highlighting their roles in expanding China’s naval aviation capabilities.
The Z-20F is currently being mass-produced by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, with initial units assigned to Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers. Reports indicate that production is increasing to replace aging Ka-28 and Z-9C helicopters, which have limitations in range, endurance, and onboard sensor capabilities. The Z-20F is expected to be integrated into various surface ships in the coming years, such as the Type 054B frigate, Type 052DM destroyers, Type 075 amphibious assault ships, Type 003 Fujian and future Type 004 aircraft carriers to expand China’s naval aviation capabilities. The helicopter is also projected to support future aircraft carrier and amphibious expeditionary operations.
The helicopter is equipped with ASW-specific sensors and weapons, including the Yu-7 lightweight torpedo, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and a dipping sonar system functionally similar to the U.S. AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar (ALFS). A sonobuoy launcher is installed on the left fuselage to enhance underwater detection capabilities. The Z-20F can also carry self-guided depth charges and be armed with KD-10 air-to-surface missiles for additional surface attack capabilities.
The Z-20F is powered by two domestically developed WZ-10 turboshaft engines, each generating between 2,100 and 2,700 horsepower. This configuration allows the helicopter to reach a maximum speed of 360 km/h, a cruising speed of 290 km/h, and an operational range of 560 km. The service ceiling is 6,000 meters, providing versatility in both coastal and open-sea environments. The aircraft’s structure incorporates composite materials to reduce weight, with a maximum takeoff weight of 10,000 kg, and features corrosion-resistant components to improve durability for extended maritime operations. Compared to the Ka-28 and Z-9C, the Z-20F has lower maintenance requirements and improved reliability in high-salinity environments.
One of the notable features of the Z-20F is its endurance and extended mission capability. Its engine configuration supports prolonged operations, allowing for continuous ASW patrols. The helicopter’s avionics provide situational awareness enhancements, contributing to fleet-wide anti-submarine detection and engagement efforts. When compared to the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk, which has a range of 830 km, the Z-20F has a shorter reach but offers increased payload capacity and is integrated with China’s Beidou satellite navigation system.
A recently released image from Chinese sources shows the fourth batch of Type 052D destroyers docked at a shipyard with an articulated rotor helicopter in a folded state inside an open hangar, most likely a Z-20F. (Picture source: Chinese social media)
In addition to its ASW role, the Z-20F can perform secondary missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics support. It can conduct patrols, facilitate vertical replenishment, and serve as a medical evacuation platform. The aircraft’s modular design allows it to be adapted for different operational requirements, making it deployable on destroyers, amphibious ships, and aircraft carriers. While the U.S. MH-60R Seahawk also serves in multi-mission roles, the Z-20F’s design ensures compatibility with PLAN warships.
The Z-20F features a foldable rotor and tail boom for efficient storage aboard warships. Measuring 20 meters in length, with a rotor diameter of 16 meters and a height of 5.3 meters, the Z-20F is larger than the Z-9C but comparable in size to the MH-60R Seahawk. Its increased dimensions allow for greater internal fuel capacity and additional ASW equipment. This design also improves operational flexibility, enabling deployment on various Chinese Navy vessels, including Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers, as well as amphibious assault ships. The MH-60R employs a similar folding system for compact storage aboard U.S. Navy warships. The Z-20F is also equipped with an automated landing system to assist with recoveries in rough sea conditions.
The introduction of the Z-20F marks a transition in the Chinese Navy’s approach to anti-submarine warfare, addressing longstanding capability gaps in detecting and countering submarine threats. By replacing the Z-9C and Ka-28, the Z-20F enhances operational efficiency with greater endurance, expanded detection capabilities, and improved weapons integration. The helicopter’s compatibility with a range of warships, along with its modular mission adaptability, enables China to deploy a standardized ASW platform across multiple operational theaters.
The Z-20 family includes several specialized variants designed for different branches of the Chinese military and security forces. The Z-20 serves as the base model for the PLA Army, fulfilling transport, reconnaissance, and airborne assault roles. The Z-20J, a specialized transport/assault variant, is designed for airborne operations, including rapid troop deployment and logistics support. The Z-20T is an armed assault variant featuring stub wings with two hardpoints per side for weapons and targeting sensors. The Z-20S is configured for search and rescue (SAR) missions, equipped with forward-looking infrared (FLIR), a searchlight, a rescue hoist, and additional medical equipment. The Z-20K is used by the PLAAF airborne corps, with the Z-20KA serving as its air assault variant featuring external hardpoints for weapons and electro-optical sensors. The Z-20KS is a combat search and rescue (CSAR) version developed for the PLAAF airborne corps. The Z-20 PAP is a variant tailored for the People’s Armed Police (PAP) for law enforcement and internal security missions.
A notable addition to the Z-20 family is the Z-21, a dedicated attack helicopter that utilizes the Z-20 airframe but incorporates a tandem cockpit, a 23mm autocannon, six hardpoints for weaponry, and a mast-mounted millimeter-wave radar. First observed in March 2024, the Z-21 is designed to provide heavier firepower than the Changhe Z-10. The continued development of the Z-20 series highlights China’s efforts to create a modular, multi-role helicopter fleet, similar to the US Black Hawk, capable of serving various operational requirements across its military and paramilitary forces.
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As reported by Chinese social media on March 17, 2025, the fourth batch of Type 052D destroyers of the Chinese Navy is being fully equipped with Z-20F anti-submarine helicopters, marking a transition from the previously deployed Z-9C and Ka-28. A recently released image from Chinese sources shows the fourth batch of Type 052D destroyers docked at a shipyard with an articulated rotor helicopter in a folded state inside an open hangar, most likely a Z-20F.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Z-20F is expected to be integrated into various surface ships in the coming years, such as the Type 054B frigate, Type 052D, Type 052DM and Type 055 destroyers, Type 075 amphibious assault ships, Type 003 Fujian and future Type 004 aircraft carriers. (Picture source: Chinese social media)
Whether this is a real aircraft or a model is secondary, as it indicates that starting with this batch, the Z-20F will strengthen the Chinese Navy’s ability to establish an underwater defense perimeter, particularly in support of carrier strike group operations in deep-sea environments. The Z-20F is a navalized variant of the Z-20 medium-lift utility helicopter, itself based on the design of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. It incorporates a fly-by-wire control system, a five-blade main rotor, and structural modifications for maritime operations. Compared to the Z-9C, which has a combat radius of 50 km, the Z-20F offers an expanded operational range, allowing for greater coverage during ASW patrols.
The development of the Z-20F originated from China’s requirement for a medium-lift shipborne helicopter to support naval operations. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) first acquired 24 Sikorsky S-70C-2 Black Hawk helicopters in 1984, but further purchases were restricted due to the 1989 U.S. and European Union arms embargo. This led to the launch of an indigenous helicopter program, culminating in the first flight of the land-based Z-20 in 2013. The Z-20F variant was designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, incorporating mission-specific systems for detecting and engaging submarines. The Z-20F was first observed undergoing tests in 2018 and has since been refined through operational evaluations. At the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, both the Z-20F and its transport/assault variant, the Z-20J, were publicly displayed, highlighting their roles in expanding China’s naval aviation capabilities.
The Z-20F is currently being mass-produced by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, with initial units assigned to Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers. Reports indicate that production is increasing to replace aging Ka-28 and Z-9C helicopters, which have limitations in range, endurance, and onboard sensor capabilities. The Z-20F is expected to be integrated into various surface ships in the coming years, such as the Type 054B frigate, Type 052DM destroyers, Type 075 amphibious assault ships, Type 003 Fujian and future Type 004 aircraft carriers to expand China’s naval aviation capabilities. The helicopter is also projected to support future aircraft carrier and amphibious expeditionary operations.
The helicopter is equipped with ASW-specific sensors and weapons, including the Yu-7 lightweight torpedo, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and a dipping sonar system functionally similar to the U.S. AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar (ALFS). A sonobuoy launcher is installed on the left fuselage to enhance underwater detection capabilities. The Z-20F can also carry self-guided depth charges and be armed with KD-10 air-to-surface missiles for additional surface attack capabilities.
The Z-20F is powered by two domestically developed WZ-10 turboshaft engines, each generating between 2,100 and 2,700 horsepower. This configuration allows the helicopter to reach a maximum speed of 360 km/h, a cruising speed of 290 km/h, and an operational range of 560 km. The service ceiling is 6,000 meters, providing versatility in both coastal and open-sea environments. The aircraft’s structure incorporates composite materials to reduce weight, with a maximum takeoff weight of 10,000 kg, and features corrosion-resistant components to improve durability for extended maritime operations. Compared to the Ka-28 and Z-9C, the Z-20F has lower maintenance requirements and improved reliability in high-salinity environments.
One of the notable features of the Z-20F is its endurance and extended mission capability. Its engine configuration supports prolonged operations, allowing for continuous ASW patrols. The helicopter’s avionics provide situational awareness enhancements, contributing to fleet-wide anti-submarine detection and engagement efforts. When compared to the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk, which has a range of 830 km, the Z-20F has a shorter reach but offers increased payload capacity and is integrated with China’s Beidou satellite navigation system.
A recently released image from Chinese sources shows the fourth batch of Type 052D destroyers docked at a shipyard with an articulated rotor helicopter in a folded state inside an open hangar, most likely a Z-20F. (Picture source: Chinese social media)
In addition to its ASW role, the Z-20F can perform secondary missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics support. It can conduct patrols, facilitate vertical replenishment, and serve as a medical evacuation platform. The aircraft’s modular design allows it to be adapted for different operational requirements, making it deployable on destroyers, amphibious ships, and aircraft carriers. While the U.S. MH-60R Seahawk also serves in multi-mission roles, the Z-20F’s design ensures compatibility with PLAN warships.
The Z-20F features a foldable rotor and tail boom for efficient storage aboard warships. Measuring 20 meters in length, with a rotor diameter of 16 meters and a height of 5.3 meters, the Z-20F is larger than the Z-9C but comparable in size to the MH-60R Seahawk. Its increased dimensions allow for greater internal fuel capacity and additional ASW equipment. This design also improves operational flexibility, enabling deployment on various Chinese Navy vessels, including Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers, as well as amphibious assault ships. The MH-60R employs a similar folding system for compact storage aboard U.S. Navy warships. The Z-20F is also equipped with an automated landing system to assist with recoveries in rough sea conditions.
The introduction of the Z-20F marks a transition in the Chinese Navy’s approach to anti-submarine warfare, addressing longstanding capability gaps in detecting and countering submarine threats. By replacing the Z-9C and Ka-28, the Z-20F enhances operational efficiency with greater endurance, expanded detection capabilities, and improved weapons integration. The helicopter’s compatibility with a range of warships, along with its modular mission adaptability, enables China to deploy a standardized ASW platform across multiple operational theaters.
The Z-20 family includes several specialized variants designed for different branches of the Chinese military and security forces. The Z-20 serves as the base model for the PLA Army, fulfilling transport, reconnaissance, and airborne assault roles. The Z-20J, a specialized transport/assault variant, is designed for airborne operations, including rapid troop deployment and logistics support. The Z-20T is an armed assault variant featuring stub wings with two hardpoints per side for weapons and targeting sensors. The Z-20S is configured for search and rescue (SAR) missions, equipped with forward-looking infrared (FLIR), a searchlight, a rescue hoist, and additional medical equipment. The Z-20K is used by the PLAAF airborne corps, with the Z-20KA serving as its air assault variant featuring external hardpoints for weapons and electro-optical sensors. The Z-20KS is a combat search and rescue (CSAR) version developed for the PLAAF airborne corps. The Z-20 PAP is a variant tailored for the People’s Armed Police (PAP) for law enforcement and internal security missions.
A notable addition to the Z-20 family is the Z-21, a dedicated attack helicopter that utilizes the Z-20 airframe but incorporates a tandem cockpit, a 23mm autocannon, six hardpoints for weaponry, and a mast-mounted millimeter-wave radar. First observed in March 2024, the Z-21 is designed to provide heavier firepower than the Changhe Z-10. The continued development of the Z-20 series highlights China’s efforts to create a modular, multi-role helicopter fleet, similar to the US Black Hawk, capable of serving various operational requirements across its military and paramilitary forces.
