The new helicopter platform will be more capable than the PLA’s Z-10 (foreground) and Z-19 (top right) attack helicopter platforms seen in this photograph. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Images of a new Chinese heavy attack helicopter performing flight testing began circulating on the internet in late March. Its nomenclature has not been officially revealed but it has been referred to by China watchers as the Z-21.
The helicopter’s maiden flight may have occurred in January, but the design’s most notable point has been its commonality with the Z-20 Black Hawk-lookalike utility helicopter of the PLA.
Andreas Rupprecht, author of multiple books on PLA aviation, told Shephard that rumours of a new attack helicopter have existed for a couple of years although these were of a stealthy Ka-52
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The OmniRaider uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Is described by Israel Aerospace Indsutries (IAI) as an “Americanised” version of its ThunderB-NG Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAS of which there are hundreds in service.
The first live-fire demonstration of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Quad Launcher was tested against a ground vehicle, with further tests against a UAS target planned for the system next month.
The uncrewed UH-60L Black Hawk or U-Hawk is built around the company’s Matrix autonomy technology and, after less than a year of development, is expected to fly in 2026.
Gen Kenneth Wilsbach responded to questions about the US Air Force’s ongoing modernisation plans during his nomination hearing, emphasising the need for the current and future aerial refuelling platforms.
Drone systems are multiplying at high altitudes as designers turn out new components and subsystems that let units operate there.
Named Damocles, the system uses AI-guided tracking for its payloads and can be launched from the ground or the air.
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