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.

 

[kumar]

Quality of Chinese products is well known throughout the world.

 

[desigandu]

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.

Question is how much can HAL produce per year in its new helo factory...Also IMRH production may start by 2030, so will LCH no longer be needed or will we have both armed versions of LCH and IMRH...

 

[Neel Martin]

The tail is like the one that crashed in abottabad while Operation HoSam 72..

 

[Anant]

Question is how much can HAL produce per year in its new helo factory...Also IMRH production may start by 2030, so will LCH no longer be needed or will we have both armed versions of LCH and IMRH...

I have a feeling an armed version of IMRH, if it ever does come, won't be for a fair while. The Rudra + LCH will cover the line for a fair while.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

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

1 squadron is at pathankot in punjab for pakistan border and the other is in assam for china. Assam is not very mountainous. Apache would be used after chinese cross the mountains and reach the plains or valleys. Prachands are the ones who will fight in the mountains or cross them for offensive operations.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

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

yes, 1 squadron is for pakistan in punjab and the other is at assam.

 

[Harsh]

yes, 1 squadron is for pakistan in punjab and the other is at assam.

One squadron of Apaches don't win a ground war against Pakis/China/Turkey. Ask Russia.

 

[Harsh]

Quality of Chinese products is well known throughout the world.

Surprise! And it is very good.
Don't delude yourself otherwise.

 

[Sandeep]

Quality of Chinese products is well known throughout the world.

They are known as being junk, unreliable, poor technology development and so much more.

 

[Sandeep]

It's obvious that China has copied most of the technology from others. Our Apache helicopters are much better in its fire power, technology, AI etc and have a much better weapon package from the missiles, bombs and gun that it uses.

India should also start designing and develop a brand new indigenous attack helicopter so that we don't stay reliant on foreign expensive permanent imports. We need a dedicated heavy attack helicopter which can take over the Apache helicopter.

 

[Hari Sud]

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

That is why everything chinese supply today still does not work. They had twenty years to copy and learn. The moral of the story is that any assistance if legally purchased comes with technical assistance which includes how and why. The stolen, copied stuff does not include that.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

One squadron of Apaches don't win a ground war against Pakis/China/Turkey. Ask Russia.

That is why we getting many more Prachands. We also have a lot of Rudra attack helicopters. The reason we dont have more apaches is that they are very expensive. Prachands are cheaper while still being a dedicated AH. Rudra is very cheap, but it is a modified ALH to serve AH role.