American Apache vs Chinese Z-10ME: Which one is more powerful among India-Pakistan combat helicopters?
The American Apache AH-64E is considered to be among the best attack helicopters in the world. The Indian Army established its first Apache rotary wing aircraft squadron at Nagatalav in Jodhpur in March 2024.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has also started deploying the Z-10ME helicopter in its army. China's Z-10ME is designed to challenge the US Apache and Russian Mi-28 Havoc helicopters. The inclusion of this helicopter will give the Pakistani army a greater capability to act against India's multilayer air defense and ground tanks. What are the features of the Z-10 helicopter?
The Z-10 helicopter has a strike range of 1,120 kilometers and weighs about 5,100 kilograms when empty. It includes a 23 millimeter caliber revolver pistol and four external hardpoints that can hold air-to-ground, air-to-air and rocket launchers.
Up to 16 anti-tank missiles, four multiple 7-barrel rocket launchers or two multiple 32-barrel rocket launchers can be installed on this helicopter, with the ability to use different combinations for different missions. It can carry missiles to destroy tanks and armored vehicles. For example, missiles can be used against tanks and armored vehicles, while rockets and cannons can be used to harm infantrymen. Why are world's experts praising the Chinese Z-10 so much?
The Z-10 offers many advantages over its counterparts such as the Eurocopter Tiger due to its excellent aerodynamic design and domestically manufactured engines, as well as its excellent handling and agility. China has made several improvements to the export version of the Z-10ME. It is powered by the WZ-9G turboshaft engine, which is a significant improvement over the earlier WZ-9 engines. Other upgrades over older versions of the Z-10 are improved avionics. The system has a helmet-mounted sight, laser rangefinder, and thermal imaging sensors for night operations. Z-10 is equipped with laser-guided weapons
The Z-10ME is reportedly equipped with laser-guided weapons. The Z-10ME is said to have graphene-based and ceramic composite armor panels, which provide protection to the pilots and engines from small arms attack. The upward-facing exhaust nozzles reduce the helicopter's infrared signature, reducing the risk of infrared missile lock-on. What makes Apache helicopters so special?
The Apache attack helicopter is used by the US Army as well as the armies of several other countries. It is a twin-turboshaft helicopter with a seating capacity of two people and a tailwheel-type landing gear. One of the main features of the Apache is its advanced sensor and weapon system. It is also equipped with a helmet-mounted display, night vision system and a radar, which enables it to locate and attack targets even in darkness and bad weather. Apart from this, it is also equipped with a 30 mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles and rocket pods. Apache Multi Mission Helicopter
The Apache helicopter fires at a speed of 625 rounds per minute. It is also equipped with Hydra 70 rockets and AGM-114 Hellfire missile system. The Apache helicopter is equipped with multi-targeting capability, which has the power to hit 16 targets in 1 minute. It can also track 128 targets simultaneously. Apache helicopters fly at a speed of 280-365 kilometers per hour.
Apache helicopters are equipped with advanced technologies such as night vision, thermal sensors and advanced radar, which enable it to carry out precise attacks even in darkness and bad weather. It is a multi-mission helicopter capable of carrying out air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks.
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