AVIC Advanced Heavy Lifter


The Advanced Heavy Lifter is a large helicopter project developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

Development

In 2009, Avic projected a civil Advanced Heavy Lifter, likely also useful to the Chinese military.
In 2014, the 6,000 kW Chinese WZ-20 was reportedly selected.
In 2015, the joint project with Russian Helicopters grew to, with a seven blade main rotor and a ceiling.
In 2016, Avic took control, leaving Russian Helicopters as a supplier, presumably of the transmission.
In 2018, maximum weight grew again to.
To power it, China will choose between the Ivchenko Progress D-136T manufactured by Ukraine’s Motor-Sich, powering the current Mi-26, and the Russian PD-12V turboshaft developed from the Aviadvigatel PD-14 core for an updated Mi-26.
After a $2 billion investment, AVIC hopes to produce 200.

Design

The takeoff weight and a MTOW allow for a internal payload or a external one.
AVIC targets a range of 800 km, a cruise of 270 km/h and a ceiling.
Design targets are closer to the Sikorsky CH-53K than the MTOW Russian Mil Mi-26.
The CH-53K is the largest US helicopter.

Specifications