Difference between revisions of "Z-9W"

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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"]]. It is known in the Chinese community as 海豚 "Haitu" (Dauphin).
 
  
−
One of the ground attack helicopter variant of the AS365 Dauphin which HAIG got license to produce, it was also one of the earliest PLAGF Aviation Corp's dedicated attack helicopter. With a sufficient optical camera and better anti-tank weapons, autocannons, as well as the infamous TY-90 AAMs, the Z-9W can sometimes serve as a makeshift "flying SPAAG" while giving ground vehicles a bad time with its HJ-8 series ATGMs.
+
The Z-9W, also known as the 海豚 "Haitun" (Dolphin), is a ground attack variant of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter, which was license-produced as the Harbin Z-9. The "W" in the designation means 武装 (Wuzhaung; armed) and it was one of the earliest dedicated attack helicopters of the PLAGF Aviation Corps. The handsome appearance still greatly resembles the original Dauphin, the modifications being a pair of hardpoints on the side doors and optical systems mounted on the cockpit roof for observation and directing ATGMs.
  
−
The Z-9 itself was a licensed variant of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, the overall appearance of Z-9W is mostly identical to the AS365 while players will notice a ball camera below the nose and this is indeed the major difference; the W in this case means 武装 (Wuzhaung; armed) where the camera serves as the tracking device for ATGMs and scouting operations.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]], the Z-9W offers a comfortable transition from the starting [[Z-11WA]] while bringing some powerful new toys. The Dauphin airframe has excellent agility and can make aerobatic manoeuvres with ease. Its CAS capabilities are enhanced with a high-zoom optical camera, a ballistic computer, an improved HJ-8C missile, and 23 mm autocannons. It also introduces the infamous TY-90 AAM, which allows the Z-9W to serve as a makeshift "flying SPAAG". Thus, the Z-9W is a versatile and enjoyable helicopter that can be used for CAS, counter-CAS, or a bit of both.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 21: Line 20:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
The main usage of the Z-9 is for transport while its airframe does support armed operations to some extent, it is noticeably larger than its predecessors while the overall mobility is sufficiently enough to sneak through terrains and strike enemies from the back and scouting for the team, sometimes dodging aerial assaults from enemies and fire back any offensive weapons onboard.  
+
 
 +
The main usage of the Z-9 in real life is for transport, though its airframe does support armed operations to some extent. It is noticeably larger than the [[Z-11WA]] and [[SA.342L Gazelle]] but that does not hinder its mobility, courtesy of its twin engines. In fact, it is faster than the Z-11. The tiny and sleek Gazelle still has an edge in acceleration and top speed but the Z-9W has superior roll and pitch characteristics to both helicopters, making it terrifically agile. This is helpful for both close-quarters maneuvering and dodging incoming fire at a distance.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{{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|HJ-8A|HJ-8C|TY-90}}
 
−
{{main|Type 57-1|Type 90-1|Type 23-1 (23 mm)|QJK99-12.7-1 (12.7 mm)}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
 
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
 
−
* 2 x HJ-8A missiles
 
−
* 14 x Type 90-1 rockets
 
−
* 4 x HJ-8A missiles
 
−
* 4 x HJ-8C missiles
 
−
* 4 x TY-90 missiles
 
−
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons (240 rpg = 480 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="8" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 
| rowspan="8" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons (240 rpg)
+
! [[Type 23-1 (23 mm)|23 mm Type 23-1]] cannons (240 rpg)
 
| 1 || 1
 
| 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 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
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Type 57-1 rockets
+
! [[Type 57-1]] rockets
 
| 18 || 18
 
| 18 || 18
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Type 90-1 rockets
+
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
 
| 7 || 7
 
| 7 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
−
! HJ-8A missiles
+
! [[HJ-8A]] missiles
 
| 2 || 2
 
| 2 || 2
 
|-
 
|-
−
! HJ-8C missiles
+
! [[HJ-8C]] missiles
 
| 2 || 2
 
| 2 || 2
 
|-
 
|-
−
! TY-90 missiles
+
! [[TY-90]] missiles
 
| 2 || 2
 
| 2 || 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
 +
* 2 x HJ-8A missiles
 +
* 14 x Type 90-1 rockets
 +
* 4 x HJ-8A missiles
 +
* 4 x HJ-8C missiles
 +
* 4 x TY-90 missiles
 +
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons (240 rpg = 480 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 +
The Z-9W's anti-tank armament consists of the HJ-8 missile in two variants. The HJ-8A missile is still available, but it has worn out its welcome by now and should only be used when stock grinding. The improved HJ-8C is the Z-9W's main anti-tank weapon. It unfortunately does not have an improved rocket motor, so the 3 km range and 250 m/s flight speed leave much to be desired, but it has a new warhead with a tandem charge and 590 mm of penetration. Although the raw penetration is below average and may not be enough against composite armour, it is enough to consistently deal with steel-armoured tanks and the tandem warhead's anti-ERA properties give it a more mileage: it can actually penetrate the [[T-72B]]'s hull in situations where the [[HOT-2 TOW]] with 900 mm of penetration might have issues. The Z-9W's incredible camera zoom of up to 81.8x allows ATGMs to be aimed with very high precision, which makes it feasible to target weak points or even ammo racks.
 +
 +
The Z-9W is the earlier Chinese helicopter capable of carrying TY-90 air-to-air missiles. Made famous by the premium [[Z-19E]] at a whole battle rating higher, the Z-9W often wields them against aircraft that do not even have the speed or countermeasures to try dodging them with. That said, they are not guaranteed kills and the user still needs to wait for a decent launch envelope and provide enough lead for them to do their work.
 +
 +
Two types of rocket pods are again available. The stock Type 57-1 rockets are still underwhelming in damage and velocity, but the Z-9W has a ballistic computer and the CCIP functionality makes them far easier to use, and they are credible threats to lightly armoured ground targets. The Type 90-1 rockets (the same type seen on the [[Q-5 early]] attacker jet) are slightly weaker than the FS70 rockets seen on the Z-9W's predecessors in penetration and TNT equivalent, but their 700 m/s flight speed makes them easier to aim and they are still significantly more damaging than the 57 mm rockets.
 +
 +
The Z-9W has two options for gun armament, both available stock: the unexciting 12.7 mm machine gun pods return for harassing lightly armored vehicles or enemy helicopters, but the 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons are new options. The cannon has less ammunition and fires more slowly, but its AP rounds have enough mass to generate spalling and cause significant module damage and are thus more effective against ground targets than the machine guns. It also has HEFI-T rounds that will make short work of enemy helicopters if they hit. Still, they are less powerful than the 20 mm cannons used by NATO helicopters and take up a hardpoint that could be used for rockets or missiles instead.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Players of Chinese helicopters will soon find out that the Z-9W still lacks any form of fixed weapons (only the Z-10 has a belly Type 23L turret), although both 12.7 mm or 23 mm gun pods can be armed alongside with other weaponry, this also means half the firepower of most counterparts in other countries. The upgrade with 23 mm gun pod is better than none since it has way more firepower than the 12.7 mm gun pod. New HJ-8C ATGMs as well as TY-90 AAMs are also good assets for the Z-9W as they give a longer ground engagement range over the HJ-8A (albeit at a bare 500 m more) and the TY-90 is infamous for its extreme manoeuvrability against any aircraft especially at its tier, where even jets with flares are still a prey for the TY-90. Depending on player's needs, custom loadouts with HJ-8s and TY-90s are good for taking down a few enemies before rearming thanks to their sufficient damage to their specified targets, while options with cannons and either ATGMs or AAMs are a good choice between gunning down fixed targets in helicopter EC while taking down SPAAGs/aircraft from a safer distance. Thanks to its ballistic computer, rockets are now a viable option as this will further enhance their overall accuracy, which the earlier helicopters lacked.
+
Players of Chinese helicopters will soon find out that the Z-9W still lacks any form of fixed weapons (only the [[Z-10]] has a chin Type 23L turret) and the gun pod/cannon options occupy valuable hardpoints. The Z-9W can still be used for sneaky ATGM attacks as pioneered with the Z-11WA, losing thermal optics in exchange for new HJ-8C ATGMs that pack a more serious punch. The new ballistic computer allows the Z-9W to be more successful in short-range attacks as well, but it unfortunately lacks the high rocket capacity of the [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1 Cobra]] or [[Mi-24 (Family)| Hind]] families to make this a primary strategy. Try to maintain stealth and attack from unexpected areas, because the HJ-8Cs still have limited range and slow travel speed. Be alert for incoming SPAA fire and use the Z-9W's excellent control authority to dodge and retreat, because its larger size is a detriment when standing still.
  
−
Although its payload is not as large as any dedicated attack helicopter and it doesn't have any form of protection other than its airframe and windshield, players could still utilize its mobility to move around and seek for a chance to deliver a blow to enemies, be sure to stay as low as possible and take advantages of the terrains as radars in thi tier are not as good either. Alternatively, the 6 km all-aspect acquisition range of the TY-90 can also turn Z-9W into a "flying SPAAG" and save the team from any aerial strike, sneaking behind enemy lines and strike their aircraft before they do any damage is also viable as well.
+
The TY-90 is infamous for its extreme manoeuvrability against aircraft and will easily send enemy CAS back to the hangar, allowing the Z-9W to provide air defense in exchange for some or all of its air-to-ground capability. For a pure "flying SPAA" role, it is viable to take the maximum of four TY-90s and circle around the battlefield at low altitude to lie in wait near the enemy helicopter base or air spawn. While this loadout makes the Z-9W completely harmless to ground vehicles, it is easy to destroy multiple enemy aircraft soon after they spawn and thus protect teammates from dangerous CAS. It is important to use the terrain to avoid attention from enemy SPAA and maintain an element of surprise — the TY-90 is dangerous by itself, and the unseen TY-90 is the deadliest.
 +
 
 +
Depending on player's needs, custom loadouts with HJ-8s and TY-90s are good for taking down a few enemies before rearming thanks to their sufficient damage to their specified targets, while options with cannons and either ATGMs or AAMs are a good choice between gunning down fixed targets in helicopter EC while taking down SPAAGs/aircraft from a safer distance.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 115: Line 125:
  
 
* Relatively fast top speed
 
* Relatively fast top speed
−
* Decent manoeuvrability
+
* Good manoeuvrability
−
* TY-90 AAMs are very effective against air targets  
+
* TY-90 AAMs are very effective against air targets
−
* Access to tandem HJ-8C missiles
+
* Access to tandem-warhead HJ-8C missiles
 +
* Ballistic computer
 +
* High-zoom optics
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Lacks of fixed self-defense measures such as fixed guns and flares
 
* Lacks of fixed self-defense measures such as fixed guns and flares
−
* No thermal optics unlike its predecessor Z-11WA
+
* No thermal optics unlike the previous [[Z-11WA]]
 
* Very little armour
 
* Very little armour
 +
* Limited ordnance capacity
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The overall detail for the purchase of the license for AS365 is yet to be determined, HAIG documented that Mainland China done a contract with France on 15 October, 1980. The CKD version of the Z-9 was then passed for commission in 1983 and first shown during the 1987 Paris Airshow along with other aircraft of HAIG, later versions of the Z-9 passed for certifications in 1989<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120128133330/http://www.hafei.com/hahang_history_80.htm</ref>, but it was only 1993 when HAIG finally built the fully domestic version of Z-9B. Since then, the Z-9 has been one of the major forces of the PLA helicopter corps with many different variants for both PLAGF and PLAN, as well as PAP (People's Armed Police; 武警); PLAGF first modified some Z-9s into Z-9G standards with the required guidance equipment for ATGM as well as other armaments on the sides, while the later Z-9W installed upgraded electronics and retained the same firepower as its predecessor.
+
The overall detail for the purchase of the license for AS365 is yet to be determined, HAIG documented that Mainland China done a contract with France on 15 October, 1980. The CKD version of the Z-9 was then passed for commission in 1983 and first shown during the 1987 Paris Airshow along with other aircraft of HAIG, later versions of the Z-9 passed for certifications in 1989<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120128133330/http://www.hafei.com/hahang_history_80.htm</ref>, but it was only 1993 when HAIG finally built the fully domestic version of Z-9B. Since then, the Z-9 has been one of the major forces of the PLA helicopter corps with many different variants for both PLAGF and PLAN, as well as PAP (People's Armed Police; 武警); the development of Z-9W was started as soon as 1985 when CMC requested for a new attack helicopter with ATGM by 1990, where the conversion of Z-9 started in late 1986 where HAIG and CAIC were involved in it. Z-9W first flew on 1988/10/31 and completed its fire-range tests in early 1989 which installed upgraded electronics and revised airframe with carbon fiber stabilizers.
  
−
The Z-9W is also the base for later [[Z-9WA]] with better avionics and payload thanks to revised pylons that were built into the airframe instead of bolted onto the airframe.
+
The Z-9W is also the base for later [[Z-9WA]] with better avionics and payload thanks to revised pylons that were bolted onto the airframe instead of a built-in pylon.
  
 
== 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_9w Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 155: Line 170:
 
{{AirManufacturer Harbin}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Harbin}}
 
{{China helicopters}}
 
{{China helicopters}}
 +
<references />

Latest revision as of 13:53, 4 February 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Chinese attack helicopter Z-9W. For the other version, see Z-9WA.
Z-9W
z_9w.png
GarageImage Z-9W.jpg
Z-9W
China flag.png China
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 10.3 9.3
Class:
Research:360 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:980 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Z-9W, also known as the 海豚 "Haitun" (Dolphin), is a ground attack variant of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter, which was license-produced as the Harbin Z-9. The "W" in the designation means 武装 (Wuzhaung; armed) and it was one of the earliest dedicated attack helicopters of the PLAGF Aviation Corps. The handsome appearance still greatly resembles the original Dauphin, the modifications being a pair of hardpoints on the side doors and optical systems mounted on the cockpit roof for observation and directing ATGMs.

Introduced in Update "Drone Age", the Z-9W offers a comfortable transition from the starting Z-11WA while bringing some powerful new toys. The Dauphin airframe has excellent agility and can make aerobatic manoeuvres with ease. Its CAS capabilities are enhanced with a high-zoom optical camera, a ballistic computer, an improved HJ-8C missile, and 23 mm autocannons. It also introduces the infamous TY-90 AAM, which allows the Z-9W to serve as a makeshift "flying SPAAG". Thus, the Z-9W is a versatile and enjoyable helicopter that can be used for CAS, counter-CAS, or a bit of both.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m302 km/h
Max altitude4 200 m
Engine2 х Zhuzhou Aero-Engine Factory WZ-8A
Take-off weight4 t

The main usage of the Z-9 in real life is for transport, though its airframe does support armed operations to some extent. It is noticeably larger than the Z-11WA and SA.342L Gazelle but that does not hinder its mobility, courtesy of its twin engines. In fact, it is faster than the Z-11. The tiny and sleek Gazelle still has an edge in acceleration and top speed but the Z-9W has superior roll and pitch characteristics to both helicopters, making it terrifically agile. This is helpful for both close-quarters maneuvering and dodging incoming fire at a distance.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 4200
Upgraded ___ ___

Survivability and armour

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

A very bad news for the Z-9W is that, due to its design as a transport helicopter, there is no protection between the pilots other than the windshield or airframe skins. Like its tech-tree predecessors, any projectile that penetrates the airframe is more than enough to knock out the crew with ease. Although it has a self-sealing tank, the Z-9W is still very likely to burn before it has a chance to fly back to its airbase or for the fire to stop by itself.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB10 241 → 13 180 Sl icon.png
RB4 308 → 5 544 Sl icon.png
SB5 869 → 7 553 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications280 000 Rp icon.png
425 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training280 000 Sl icon.png
Experts980 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 280 / 430 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
23 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
23 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
qjk_99_belt_pack
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
HF-6
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
qjk_99_new_gun
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type_23_1_belt_pack
Research:
23 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
HJ-8A
Research:
23 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type_23_1_new_gun
Research:
23 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
HJ-8C
Research:
23 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
TY-90
Research:
23 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Suspended armament

The Z-9W can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2
Hardpoints Z-9W.png
23 mm Type 23-1 cannons (240 rpg) 1 1
12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg) 1 1
Type 57-1 rockets 18 18
Type 90-1 rockets 7 7
HJ-8A missiles 2 2
HJ-8C missiles 2 2
TY-90 missiles 2 2
Default weapon presets
  • 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
  • 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  • 2 x HJ-8A missiles
  • 14 x Type 90-1 rockets
  • 4 x HJ-8A missiles
  • 4 x HJ-8C missiles
  • 4 x TY-90 missiles
  • 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons (240 rpg = 480 total)

The Z-9W's anti-tank armament consists of the HJ-8 missile in two variants. The HJ-8A missile is still available, but it has worn out its welcome by now and should only be used when stock grinding. The improved HJ-8C is the Z-9W's main anti-tank weapon. It unfortunately does not have an improved rocket motor, so the 3 km range and 250 m/s flight speed leave much to be desired, but it has a new warhead with a tandem charge and 590 mm of penetration. Although the raw penetration is below average and may not be enough against composite armour, it is enough to consistently deal with steel-armoured tanks and the tandem warhead's anti-ERA properties give it a more mileage: it can actually penetrate the T-72B's hull in situations where the HOT-2 TOW with 900 mm of penetration might have issues. The Z-9W's incredible camera zoom of up to 81.8x allows ATGMs to be aimed with very high precision, which makes it feasible to target weak points or even ammo racks.

The Z-9W is the earlier Chinese helicopter capable of carrying TY-90 air-to-air missiles. Made famous by the premium Z-19E at a whole battle rating higher, the Z-9W often wields them against aircraft that do not even have the speed or countermeasures to try dodging them with. That said, they are not guaranteed kills and the user still needs to wait for a decent launch envelope and provide enough lead for them to do their work.

Two types of rocket pods are again available. The stock Type 57-1 rockets are still underwhelming in damage and velocity, but the Z-9W has a ballistic computer and the CCIP functionality makes them far easier to use, and they are credible threats to lightly armoured ground targets. The Type 90-1 rockets (the same type seen on the Q-5 early attacker jet) are slightly weaker than the FS70 rockets seen on the Z-9W's predecessors in penetration and TNT equivalent, but their 700 m/s flight speed makes them easier to aim and they are still significantly more damaging than the 57 mm rockets.

The Z-9W has two options for gun armament, both available stock: the unexciting 12.7 mm machine gun pods return for harassing lightly armored vehicles or enemy helicopters, but the 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons are new options. The cannon has less ammunition and fires more slowly, but its AP rounds have enough mass to generate spalling and cause significant module damage and are thus more effective against ground targets than the machine guns. It also has HEFI-T rounds that will make short work of enemy helicopters if they hit. Still, they are less powerful than the 20 mm cannons used by NATO helicopters and take up a hardpoint that could be used for rockets or missiles instead.

Usage in battles

Players of Chinese helicopters will soon find out that the Z-9W still lacks any form of fixed weapons (only the Z-10 has a chin Type 23L turret) and the gun pod/cannon options occupy valuable hardpoints. The Z-9W can still be used for sneaky ATGM attacks as pioneered with the Z-11WA, losing thermal optics in exchange for new HJ-8C ATGMs that pack a more serious punch. The new ballistic computer allows the Z-9W to be more successful in short-range attacks as well, but it unfortunately lacks the high rocket capacity of the AH-1 Cobra or Hind families to make this a primary strategy. Try to maintain stealth and attack from unexpected areas, because the HJ-8Cs still have limited range and slow travel speed. Be alert for incoming SPAA fire and use the Z-9W's excellent control authority to dodge and retreat, because its larger size is a detriment when standing still.

The TY-90 is infamous for its extreme manoeuvrability against aircraft and will easily send enemy CAS back to the hangar, allowing the Z-9W to provide air defense in exchange for some or all of its air-to-ground capability. For a pure "flying SPAA" role, it is viable to take the maximum of four TY-90s and circle around the battlefield at low altitude to lie in wait near the enemy helicopter base or air spawn. While this loadout makes the Z-9W completely harmless to ground vehicles, it is easy to destroy multiple enemy aircraft soon after they spawn and thus protect teammates from dangerous CAS. It is important to use the terrain to avoid attention from enemy SPAA and maintain an element of surprise — the TY-90 is dangerous by itself, and the unseen TY-90 is the deadliest.

Depending on player's needs, custom loadouts with HJ-8s and TY-90s are good for taking down a few enemies before rearming thanks to their sufficient damage to their specified targets, while options with cannons and either ATGMs or AAMs are a good choice between gunning down fixed targets in helicopter EC while taking down SPAAGs/aircraft from a safer distance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Relatively fast top speed
  • Good manoeuvrability
  • TY-90 AAMs are very effective against air targets
  • Access to tandem-warhead HJ-8C missiles
  • Ballistic computer
  • High-zoom optics

Cons:

  • Lacks of fixed self-defense measures such as fixed guns and flares
  • No thermal optics unlike the previous Z-11WA
  • Very little armour
  • Limited ordnance capacity

History

The overall detail for the purchase of the license for AS365 is yet to be determined, HAIG documented that Mainland China done a contract with France on 15 October, 1980. The CKD version of the Z-9 was then passed for commission in 1983 and first shown during the 1987 Paris Airshow along with other aircraft of HAIG, later versions of the Z-9 passed for certifications in 1989[1], but it was only 1993 when HAIG finally built the fully domestic version of Z-9B. Since then, the Z-9 has been one of the major forces of the PLA helicopter corps with many different variants for both PLAGF and PLAN, as well as PAP (People's Armed Police; 武警); the development of Z-9W was started as soon as 1985 when CMC requested for a new attack helicopter with ATGM by 1990, where the conversion of Z-9 started in late 1986 where HAIG and CAIC were involved in it. Z-9W first flew on 1988/10/31 and completed its fire-range tests in early 1989 which installed upgraded electronics and revised airframe with carbon fiber stabilizers.

The Z-9W is also the base for later Z-9WA with better avionics and payload thanks to revised pylons that were bolted onto the airframe instead of a built-in pylon.

Media

Skins

See also

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

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Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (哈尔滨飞机工业(集团)有限责任公司 )
Jet Bombers  H-5*
Helicopters 
Z-9  Z-9W · Z-9WA
Z-19  Z-19 · Z-19E
  *Unlicensed and modified copy of the IL-28.

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

  1. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20120128133330/http://www.hafei.com/hahang_history_80.htm
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