Images of a new Chinese attack helicopter, designated Z-21, have surfaced on Chinese social media. The helicopter appears to be a twin-engine, two-seat platform clearly inspired by the American AH-64 Apache.
The black-painted Z-21, tail-marked 6232, was photographed during a fresh test flight. Based on visible design features, the aircraft shares several structural and functional elements with the Apache: a tricycle landing gear, tandem seating, a chin-mounted cannon, and side-by-side engine placement.
Technical assessments indicate that the nose contains a large optical system giving the gunner enhanced forward vision. The helicopter features a 30 mm mobile cannon beneath the cockpit, integrated defensive armor for crew survivability, and advanced avionics suited for high-threat environments.
The stub wings carry two weapons pylons per side, supporting short-range air-to-air missiles, guided anti-tank missiles, and guided or unguided rocket pods. Analysts say this allows the Z-21 to strike a wide range of ground and aerial targets, mirroring the role of modern Western attack helicopters.