Chinese media sources are reporting that the CAIC Z-10 attack helicopter has become operational, adding yet a new weapon to the People's Liberation Army's growing arsenal.
Several photos have appeared on Chinese web sites showing a Z-10 that is painted dark green and emblazoned with an LH designation signifying assignment to an operational unit.
Hong Kong's second largest newspaper, the Sing Tao Daily, reported earlier this week that US pressure forced the Chinese to change the aircraft's engine. Prototype models of the Z-10 in 2007 showed a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, which somehow got diverted to a Chinese military program. The operational version of the aircraft appears to be powered by the same engine in the Z-9, which is a copy of the Eurocopter AS 365N1 Dauphin.
Several photos have appeared on Chinese web sites showing a Z-10 that is painted dark green and emblazoned with an LH designation signifying assignment to an operational unit.
Hong Kong's second largest newspaper, the Sing Tao Daily, reported earlier this week that US pressure forced the Chinese to change the aircraft's engine. Prototype models of the Z-10 in 2007 showed a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, which somehow got diverted to a Chinese military program. The operational version of the aircraft appears to be powered by the same engine in the Z-9, which is a copy of the Eurocopter AS 365N1 Dauphin.
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