The Harbin Z-5 (Zhishengji – helicopter) is a Chinese variant of the Soviet Mil Mi-4 piston powered helicopter. Before its discontinuation from service, it was produced in Harbin, China. The USSR provided China with Mi-4 blueprints just a few years before the Sino-Soviet split in 1958. Maiden flight was in 1958 and mass production started in the mid-1960s. China has produced a number of unique variants through this model, and the Z-5 was employed by the PLA, PLAAF and PLANAF in large numbers as reserve forces. A total of 558 Z-5 were built. A few Z-5 helicopters were modified to carry machine-guns and rocket pods.[1]
Harbin Z-5 | |
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Harbin Z-5 in Chinese Aviation Museum, Beijing | |
Role | Transport helicopter/Utility helicopter Type of aircraft |
Manufacturer | Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation |
Designer | Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant |
First flight | 14 December 1958 |
Status | Retired from active service |
Primary user | China |
Number built | 558 |
Developed from | Mil Mi-4 |
Variants | Harbin/CHDRI Z-6 |
During the Chinese-Western rapprochement, one Z-5 was refitted with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-6 "Twin Pac" turbo-shaft engine in 1979. Some sources refer to this as the Z-6, but this variant was discontinued after its first model.[2]
Data from Chinese Aircraft[10]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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1 Unknown/not assigned |
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