China Debuts New Attack Helicopter, Echoing Apache Design

China's burgeoning military aviation sector has taken another significant step with the reveal of a new heavy attack helicopter design. The aircraft, bearing a resemblance to the iconic AH-64 Apache, raises questions about Chinese technological advancements and the potential to challenge the dominance of the established American platform.

The helicopter's visual similarities to the Apache, particularly the tandem cockpit and overall configuration, suggest possible inspiration drawn from the American design. However, experts caution that the extent to which the Chinese helicopter incorporates Apache design elements remains to be fully determined.

Although specific details on the new helicopter's capabilities are limited, its unveiling signals China's intention to field a heavily-armed attack helicopter comparable to the battle-proven Apache. As analysts scrutinize available imagery, more insights may emerge regarding its onboard weapons, sensors, and other critical systems.

The unveiling of this design is a likely precursor to a rigorous testing and development program. The coming years will be critical in observing the helicopter's performance and how China strategically employs this new asset.

 

[Sumit Verma]

How can a new attack helicopter without any experience challange a tested attack helicopter. Is the Chinese one a paper tiger....!!!!

 

[Anton Sokolov]

While our army will buy 6 American Aptache and do PR for $600 million but it pains for them to buy LCH in bulk and built a heavier version of it. They will wake up when Chinese will come in LAC , so that with emergency funds they will buy equipments from US and Russia

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

How can a new attack helicopter without any experience challange a tested attack helicopter. Is the Chinese one a paper tiger....!!!!

and this wont be a threat to India since India china border is very high altitude where heavy AHs are useless. That is why we developed the lightweight prachand.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

While our army will buy 6 American Aptache and do PR for $600 million but it pains for them to buy LCH in bulk and built a heavier version of it.

we have already got AoN for 156 LCH

 

[Anant]

While our army will buy 6 American Aptache and do PR for $600 million but it pains for them to buy LCH in bulk and built a heavier version of it. They will wake up when Chinese will come in LAC , so that with emergency funds they will buy equipments from US and Russia

There is already the AoN in place for 156 LCHs, and negotiations are underway. Also, you can't exactly take a light helicopter and build a heavier version of it. That requires a lot more work than might initially seem.

 

[GMR]

we have already got AoN for 156 LCH

Across our 3 wings, How many platforms have not seen the light even after AON? Many...

 

[Hari Sud]

Copies, reverse engineered weapons never work.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Across our 3 wings, How many platforms have not seen the light even after AON? Many...

this one has already seen the light since 10+ prachands have already been inducted.

 

[Shafted mohammed]

One Aakash missile is all that is needed, such a heavy juicy target .

 

[Axszelll]

Copies, reverse engineered weapons never work.

Darling the thing is they have money. Obviously copy and reverse engineered weapons doesn't work so what they do is they invest money in R&D and then try to perfect it.

 

[desigandu]

India should accelerate IMRH and its armed version...In the meantime Indian Army should acquire 22 more AH-64Es, to augment LCH Prachands (which they may need more that the 90 being planned, potentially around 250-300 but with increased capabilities like a fire control radar, and more lethal weapons), which can be the mainstay, till armed version of IMRH comes online by 2032-2035...Of course this will cost money, but it is never free, and deterrence is way better than fighting a war.

 

[desigandu]

There is already the AoN in place for 156 LCHs, and negotiations are underway.

Need more LCHs - say like 300+ by 2030...

 

[Deepak Hegde]

While our army will buy 6 American Aptache and do PR for $600 million but it pains for them to buy LCH in bulk and built a heavier version of it.

Who buys LCH when the need for heavy attack copter? Do you think you can buy HCH and make a heavier version of it ? Come on, at least talk sense !!

 

[Akshat]

While our army will buy 6 American Aptache and do PR for $600 million but it pains for them to buy LCH in bulk and built a heavier version of it.

And what was DRDO and HAL doing when army and IAF gave them a chance by placing LSP orders? Why didn’t they integrate the ATGMs? They won’t do the work and won’t let anyone else do it either and then complaint about orders.

 

[Akshat]

and this wont be a threat to India since India china border is very high altitude where heavy AHs are useless. That is why we developed the lightweight prachand.

Apaches have been deployed to Indo China border in the past (probably even now).

 

[Anant]

Need more LCHs - say like 300+ by 2030...

I have a feeling the IA and IAF will push for additional orders after the first few divisions / squadrons of the LCH get inducted. An overall run of over 300 is most certainly a very realistic scenario.

 

[Bharat007]

Last year HAL already told Govt. that they can produce heavy attack choppers similar to that of Apache category.

Heavy Attack Choppers will be good for Pak front especially in Gujarat and Thar.

 

[Bharat007]

and this wont be a threat to India since India china border is very high altitude where heavy AHs are useless. That is why we developed the lightweight prachand.

You are wrong. They're not useless. IAF has Apaches deployed in Himalayas to counter China.

 

[Bharat007]

Copies, reverse engineered weapons never work.

Oversimplifying and underestimating doesn't work. China is learning at faster rate than India does. Copies and reverse engineered weapons can still kill.