Difference between revisions of "Z-10"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].
+
Observing the AH-64 Apache rip through armour columns of the Iraqi Army during the 1990s Gulf War, the PLA identified dire need for a dedicated helicopter for such operations. The PLAGF Aviation Corps only had modified import helicopters such as the [[SA.342L Gazelle|SA.342L]] and [[Z-9W]]. Engineers sought advice from the Russian helicopter manufacturer Kamov for the early design, which emerged as Project 941 in 1995 under a contract for a 6-ton wind-tunnel model. After confirmation of the overall aerodynamic designs, the new helicopter, under the name '''Z-10''', went through extensive testing. Breakthroughs in the early 2000s meant that most parts of the helicopter were redeveloped from scratch. During test flights, engineers were tasked with reducing the helicopter's weight as much as possible; thus, later prototypes were vastly lighter than the earliest ones, with some design changes to the nose. Their efforts bore fruit, as the finalised helicopter had the highest combat radius among dedicated attack helicopters while maintaining overall payload weights. The Z-10 joined the PLAGF in 2009 and participated in the 60th National Day Parade as part of a helicopter column.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]] alongside the initial Chinese helicopter tech tree, the Z-10 has a sleek and futuristic appearance. It is the first fully fledged attack helicopter in the Chinese tech tree, finally having armour protection and an internal gun. The ordnance is mostly the same as the Z-19, but it can now use full-size AKD-10 laser-guided missiles that pack an enormous punch against tanks. However, this is an early production version with WZ-9 turboshaft engines, which are somewhat lacking in power. Its flight performance is underwhelming, although it remains quite manoeuvrable. It also cannot carry as many ATGMs as its peers, and lacks the Z-19's mast-mounted radar. However, with some finesse from the pilot, the Z-10 can still be a threatening combatant with its advanced electronics and powerful weapons.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
 
 +
The Z-10's engines are more powerful than the Z-19's, but that is not enough to offset the increased weight and size. It has a lower top speed than contemporaries like the [[AH-64D|AH-64D Apache]] and [[Ka-52|Ka-52 Alligator]]. Manoeuvrability is decent but the flight model feels unstable at times, and rapid aerobatic manoeuvres that could be easily done on the Z-19 should be avoided on the Z-10. It does have an impressive maximum altitude of 6 km that matches the [[AH-1Z]], but there is rarely a reason to venture that high.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
+
 
 +
This initial model of the Z-10 has light protection, but any protection is still a welcome improvement over previous Chinese helicopters. The crew members are protected with thick bulletproof glass that resists machine guns and autocannons from the front and their seats are armoured, which is a similar level of protection to the Italian [[A129CBT]]. There is nothing protecting the engine or crew compartment, which makes the Z-10 more vulnerable to shrapnel and explosive rounds.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 40: Line 44:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
Line 47: Line 60:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 23 mm Type 23L cannon, nose turret (300 rpg)
−
** 1 x 23 mm Type 23L cannon, nose turret (300 rpg)
+
* 48 x countermeasures
−
** 1 x 23 mm Type 23L cannon + 48 x countermeasures
+
 
 +
The Z-10 is the first Chinese helicopter with an internal gun. Mounted on a turret under the nose, the 23 mm Type 23L cannon performs similarly to the Type 23-1 cannons seen on the [[Z-9W]]/[[Z-9WA|WA]]. The rate of fire and penetration are lacking compared to its peers and it should not be expected to chew up ground targets in the same way as the Apache's 30 mm chaingun or the Havoc's literal IFV autocannon, but it is easy to use because of the fire control system's CCRP and can help dispatch nearby aircraft. An Armored Targets belt with entirely HVAP rounds is available: although it lacks FI-T rounds for breaking apart aircraft, it has more penetration (up to 61 mm, enough to harass light ground vehicles) and a best-in-class 1240 m/s muzzle velocity.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AKD-9|AKD-10|TY-90|FS70|Type 57-1|QJK99-12.7-1 (12.7 mm)}}
 
−
 
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
 
  
−
* Without load
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
* 4 x AKD-9 missiles
 
−
* 8 x AKD-9 missiles
 
−
* 8 x AKD-10 missiles
 
−
* 28 x FS70 rockets
 
−
* 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
 
−
* 8 x TY-90 missiles
 
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
 
  
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
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| rowspan="7" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 
| rowspan="7" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg)
+
! [[QJK99-12.7-1 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1]] machine guns (1,000 rpg)
 
| || 1 || 1 ||
 
| || 1 || 1 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! FS70 rockets
+
! [[FS70]] rockets
 
| 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
 
| 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Type 57-1 rockets
+
! [[Type 57-1]] rockets
 
| || 18 || 18 ||
 
| || 18 || 18 ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AKD-9 missiles
+
! [[AKD-9]] missiles
 
| 4 || || || 4
 
| 4 || || || 4
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AKD-10 missiles
+
! [[AKD-10]] missiles
 
| 4 || || || 4
 
| 4 || || || 4
 
|-
 
|-
−
! TY-90 missiles
+
! [[TY-90]] missiles
−
| 4 || || || 4
+
| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* Without load
 +
* 4 x AKD-9 missiles
 +
* 8 x AKD-9 missiles
 +
* 8 x AKD-10 missiles
 +
* 28 x FS70 rockets
 +
* 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
 +
* 16 x TY-90 missiles
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 +
The Z-10 starts off with AKD-9 missiles as a stock option. Players who have used the Z-19 or Z-19E will be very familiar with these: lightweight laser-guided missiles with top-attack, lock-after-launch, and salvo firing capabilities like the Hellfire, but below average penetration, range, and flight speed.
 +
 +
However the Z-10's main air-to-ground weapon is the AKD-10, the full size version of the AKD-9 that is superior in all respects: 1,400 mm of penetration makes it the most powerful ATGM in War Thunder (slightly edging out the [[ZT-6 Mokopa]]), the 6.25 kg of TNT equivalent will further seal the fate of light vehicles, and the range has been improved to over 8 km (10 km launch range). Unfortunately, the flight speed has only been negligibly improved, which is the sole remaining flaw.
 +
 +
The ATGMs can only be mounted on the outer pylons, so the Z-10 is limited to 8 in total. This is half the amount of most contemporaries.
 +
 +
The TY-90s are a welcome tool for swatting aircraft and are a great way to fill in the remaining pylons. Moreover, the Z-10 can mount TY-90s on any of the four pylons and not just the inner pylons, making it possible to carry a ludicrous sixteen TY-90s at once — a record number of air-to-air missiles for any aircraft.
 +
 +
The remaining options of unguided rockets and machine gun pods should be familiar. The Z-10 can do some damage to ground targets in rocket rushes, but its unstable flight model discourages this kind of use as a first choice. The rockets have some utility if used to trigger the proximity fuses of incoming HE-VT rounds or SAMs as a last-ditch defense, but this may or may not be worth sacrificing a pylon of TY-90s for. The machine guns should be ignored because they are both weak and inferior to the Z-10's own internal cannon.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
The Z-10 has some powerful weapons at its disposal: the AKD-10 ATGMs have the highest penetration of any ATGM in the game and can take down even the most heavily armoured MBTs, and the TY-90s remain very adept at destroying jets, even in the face of top-tier supersonic aircraft. It retains the crisp thermals and high-zoom optics from the Z-19 for ease of aiming and target acquisition. Although it can sit back and sling ATGMs from long range, the Z-10 can also operate more comfortably near the front lines with bulletproof glass and an internal cannon. Sadly, it is held back by the low flight speed and capacity of its ATGMs, a limited supply of countermeasures, and an awkward flight model. Flying the Z-10 effectively in the face of enemy SAMs and air cover requires constant situational awareness.
 +
 
 +
Since the AKD-10 has the same technology as its smaller sibling, it is possible to mitigate the low flight speed with similar practices employed on the Z-19. The lock-on after launch (LOAL) and salvo abilities can be used to lob a sequence of missiles towards the battlefield even when things are quiet, with ample time to acquire and designate targets when they appear. It is also possible to use LOAL to engage SAMs by hiding in cover for most of the flight duration. Although the AKD-10 has much greater post-penetration damage than the AKD-9, players who want to make the most of the limited ATGM capacity can still change the laser designator aim point to hit roof armour if desired.
 +
 
 +
The Z-10 remains highly effective as an air superiority helicopter. Just like the Z-19, it can carry eight TY-90s without sacrificing ATGMs, and this is sufficient for most battles. The cannon can be used as a supplement for close combat against enemies that appear suddenly and are too close for missiles or extensively pre-flaring. Players who wish to become a flying no-fly zone can take sixteen TY-90s for the largest AAM loadout in the game, but this is rather excessive unless the enemy team is fielding tremendous numbers of aircraft and drones. Players transitioning from the Z-19 should be aware that the Z-10 has a harder time pulling violent manoeuvres to dodge incoming fire and does not have a mast-mounted radar for spotting low-altitude aircraft.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 104: Line 134:
 
* Decent agility and acceleration
 
* Decent agility and acceleration
 
* AKD-9 and AKD-10 missiles have loft, LOAL, and salvo firing capability like Hellfires
 
* AKD-9 and AKD-10 missiles have loft, LOAL, and salvo firing capability like Hellfires
 +
* AKD-10 missiles have extremely high penetration and impressive range
 
* Excellent optics with thermal sights for easy targeting
 
* Excellent optics with thermal sights for easy targeting
−
* TY-90 AAMs are effective anti-air missiles and can be carried in large numbers
+
* TY-90 AAMs are effective anti-air missiles and can be carried in very large numbers
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 114: Line 145:
 
* The main cannon lacks penetration to deal with armoured targets
 
* The main cannon lacks penetration to deal with armoured targets
 
* Only has four wing mounts, compared to the six on the American [[AH-64D]] Longbow and Russia's [[Ka-52]] Alligator
 
* Only has four wing mounts, compared to the six on the American [[AH-64D]] Longbow and Russia's [[Ka-52]] Alligator
−
* Lacklustre loadout with access to only 8 ATGMs and AAMs in total
+
* Relatively lacklustre loadout options with only 8 ATGMs compared to its contemporaries with 12 or even 16 ATGMs
 
* No radar
 
* No radar
 +
* Not very stable in flight
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 123: Line 155:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=z_10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|s3d8keVWvn4|'''CAIC Z-10: A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''|vSDNdUBUvWI|'''The Shooting Range #324''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:20 discusses the Z-10 helicopter.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 130: Line 168:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 138: Line 177:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''

Latest revision as of 19:30, 7 August 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Z-10
z_10.png
GarageImage Z-10.jpg
Z-10
China flag.png China
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 11.7 10.7
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 020 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Observing the AH-64 Apache rip through armour columns of the Iraqi Army during the 1990s Gulf War, the PLA identified dire need for a dedicated helicopter for such operations. The PLAGF Aviation Corps only had modified import helicopters such as the SA.342L and Z-9W. Engineers sought advice from the Russian helicopter manufacturer Kamov for the early design, which emerged as Project 941 in 1995 under a contract for a 6-ton wind-tunnel model. After confirmation of the overall aerodynamic designs, the new helicopter, under the name Z-10, went through extensive testing. Breakthroughs in the early 2000s meant that most parts of the helicopter were redeveloped from scratch. During test flights, engineers were tasked with reducing the helicopter's weight as much as possible; thus, later prototypes were vastly lighter than the earliest ones, with some design changes to the nose. Their efforts bore fruit, as the finalised helicopter had the highest combat radius among dedicated attack helicopters while maintaining overall payload weights. The Z-10 joined the PLAGF in 2009 and participated in the 60th National Day Parade as part of a helicopter column.

Introduced in Update "Drone Age" alongside the initial Chinese helicopter tech tree, the Z-10 has a sleek and futuristic appearance. It is the first fully fledged attack helicopter in the Chinese tech tree, finally having armour protection and an internal gun. The ordnance is mostly the same as the Z-19, but it can now use full-size AKD-10 laser-guided missiles that pack an enormous punch against tanks. However, this is an early production version with WZ-9 turboshaft engines, which are somewhat lacking in power. Its flight performance is underwhelming, although it remains quite manoeuvrable. It also cannot carry as many ATGMs as its peers, and lacks the Z-19's mast-mounted radar. However, with some finesse from the pilot, the Z-10 can still be a threatening combatant with its advanced electronics and powerful weapons.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m270 km/h
Max altitude6 000 m
Engine2 х Zhuzhou Aero-Engine Factory WZ-9
Take-off weight8 t

The Z-10's engines are more powerful than the Z-19's, but that is not enough to offset the increased weight and size. It has a lower top speed than contemporaries like the AH-64D Apache and Ka-52 Alligator. Manoeuvrability is decent but the flight model feels unstable at times, and rapid aerobatic manoeuvres that could be easily done on the Z-19 should be avoided on the Z-10. It does have an impressive maximum altitude of 6 km that matches the AH-1Z, but there is rarely a reason to venture that high.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 6000
Upgraded ___ ___

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear420 km/h

This initial model of the Z-10 has light protection, but any protection is still a welcome improvement over previous Chinese helicopters. The crew members are protected with thick bulletproof glass that resists machine guns and autocannons from the front and their seats are armoured, which is a similar level of protection to the Italian A129CBT. There is nothing protecting the engine or crew compartment, which makes the Z-10 more vulnerable to shrapnel and explosive rounds.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 427 → 14 317 Sl icon.png
RB3 979 → 6 760 Sl icon.png
SB4 994 → 8 484 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications302 000 Rp icon.png
444 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 020 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 220 / 330 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS(a)
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
48 000 Sl icon.png
830 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type_23l_belt_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AKD-9
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
MAW
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
type_23l_new_gun
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
HF-7D
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
qjk_99_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AKD-10
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
qjk_99_new_gun
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
48 000 Sl icon.png
830 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
TY-90
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
48 000 Sl icon.png
830 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: Type 23L (23 mm)

The Z-10 is armed with:

  • 1 x 23 mm Type 23L cannon, nose turret (300 rpg)
  • 48 x countermeasures

The Z-10 is the first Chinese helicopter with an internal gun. Mounted on a turret under the nose, the 23 mm Type 23L cannon performs similarly to the Type 23-1 cannons seen on the Z-9W/WA. The rate of fire and penetration are lacking compared to its peers and it should not be expected to chew up ground targets in the same way as the Apache's 30 mm chaingun or the Havoc's literal IFV autocannon, but it is easy to use because of the fire control system's CCRP and can help dispatch nearby aircraft. An Armored Targets belt with entirely HVAP rounds is available: although it lacks FI-T rounds for breaking apart aircraft, it has more penetration (up to 61 mm, enough to harass light ground vehicles) and a best-in-class 1240 m/s muzzle velocity.

Suspended armament

The Z-10 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4
Hardpoints Z-10.png
12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg) 1 1
FS70 rockets 7 7 7 7
Type 57-1 rockets 18 18
AKD-9 missiles 4 4
AKD-10 missiles 4 4
TY-90 missiles 4 4 4 4
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 4 x AKD-9 missiles
  • 8 x AKD-9 missiles
  • 8 x AKD-10 missiles
  • 28 x FS70 rockets
  • 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
  • 16 x TY-90 missiles
  • 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

The Z-10 starts off with AKD-9 missiles as a stock option. Players who have used the Z-19 or Z-19E will be very familiar with these: lightweight laser-guided missiles with top-attack, lock-after-launch, and salvo firing capabilities like the Hellfire, but below average penetration, range, and flight speed.

However the Z-10's main air-to-ground weapon is the AKD-10, the full size version of the AKD-9 that is superior in all respects: 1,400 mm of penetration makes it the most powerful ATGM in War Thunder (slightly edging out the ZT-6 Mokopa), the 6.25 kg of TNT equivalent will further seal the fate of light vehicles, and the range has been improved to over 8 km (10 km launch range). Unfortunately, the flight speed has only been negligibly improved, which is the sole remaining flaw.

The ATGMs can only be mounted on the outer pylons, so the Z-10 is limited to 8 in total. This is half the amount of most contemporaries.

The TY-90s are a welcome tool for swatting aircraft and are a great way to fill in the remaining pylons. Moreover, the Z-10 can mount TY-90s on any of the four pylons and not just the inner pylons, making it possible to carry a ludicrous sixteen TY-90s at once — a record number of air-to-air missiles for any aircraft.

The remaining options of unguided rockets and machine gun pods should be familiar. The Z-10 can do some damage to ground targets in rocket rushes, but its unstable flight model discourages this kind of use as a first choice. The rockets have some utility if used to trigger the proximity fuses of incoming HE-VT rounds or SAMs as a last-ditch defense, but this may or may not be worth sacrificing a pylon of TY-90s for. The machine guns should be ignored because they are both weak and inferior to the Z-10's own internal cannon.

Usage in battles

The Z-10 has some powerful weapons at its disposal: the AKD-10 ATGMs have the highest penetration of any ATGM in the game and can take down even the most heavily armoured MBTs, and the TY-90s remain very adept at destroying jets, even in the face of top-tier supersonic aircraft. It retains the crisp thermals and high-zoom optics from the Z-19 for ease of aiming and target acquisition. Although it can sit back and sling ATGMs from long range, the Z-10 can also operate more comfortably near the front lines with bulletproof glass and an internal cannon. Sadly, it is held back by the low flight speed and capacity of its ATGMs, a limited supply of countermeasures, and an awkward flight model. Flying the Z-10 effectively in the face of enemy SAMs and air cover requires constant situational awareness.

Since the AKD-10 has the same technology as its smaller sibling, it is possible to mitigate the low flight speed with similar practices employed on the Z-19. The lock-on after launch (LOAL) and salvo abilities can be used to lob a sequence of missiles towards the battlefield even when things are quiet, with ample time to acquire and designate targets when they appear. It is also possible to use LOAL to engage SAMs by hiding in cover for most of the flight duration. Although the AKD-10 has much greater post-penetration damage than the AKD-9, players who want to make the most of the limited ATGM capacity can still change the laser designator aim point to hit roof armour if desired.

The Z-10 remains highly effective as an air superiority helicopter. Just like the Z-19, it can carry eight TY-90s without sacrificing ATGMs, and this is sufficient for most battles. The cannon can be used as a supplement for close combat against enemies that appear suddenly and are too close for missiles or extensively pre-flaring. Players who wish to become a flying no-fly zone can take sixteen TY-90s for the largest AAM loadout in the game, but this is rather excessive unless the enemy team is fielding tremendous numbers of aircraft and drones. Players transitioning from the Z-19 should be aware that the Z-10 has a harder time pulling violent manoeuvres to dodge incoming fire and does not have a mast-mounted radar for spotting low-altitude aircraft.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent agility and acceleration
  • AKD-9 and AKD-10 missiles have loft, LOAL, and salvo firing capability like Hellfires
  • AKD-10 missiles have extremely high penetration and impressive range
  • Excellent optics with thermal sights for easy targeting
  • TY-90 AAMs are effective anti-air missiles and can be carried in very large numbers

Cons:

  • Slow top speed
  • The fuselage is fragile
  • Limited flare/chaff capacity compared to other helicopters
  • The main cannon lacks penetration to deal with armoured targets
  • Only has four wing mounts, compared to the six on the American AH-64D Longbow and Russia's Ka-52 Alligator
  • Relatively lacklustre loadout options with only 8 ATGMs compared to its contemporaries with 12 or even 16 ATGMs
  • No radar
  • Not very stable in flight

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Videos
CAIC Z-10: A Basic Review - Tims Variety
The Shooting Range #324 - Pages of History section at 04:20 discusses the Z-10 helicopter.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the helicopter;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (昌河飞机工业集团)
Helicopters  Z-10 · Z-11WA

China helicopters
Attack/Utility  Z-9W · Z-9WA · Z-10 · Z-11WA · Z-19 · Z-19E
  ␗OH-58D (USA)
Attack  ␗AH-1W (USA)
Utility  SA.342L Gazelle (France)
Pakistan  ▄Mi-35M

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