Foreign Customers Negotiating To Buy China’s Latest Attack Helicopter

China will customize it’s yet to be launched light attack helicopter Z-19E as per the buyer's specific requirements.

"The government has given the green light for the export of the WZ-19. Actually, some foreign buyers are in negotiations with us on the procurement of this helicopter," said Wu Ximing, chief helicopter designer at Aviation Industry Corp of China was quoted as saying by China Military Online on the sidelines of the third China Helicopter Expo in Tianjin Thursday.

"We will adjust equipment or weapons based on each buyer's specific requirements. As a matter of fact, some potential buyers have been involved in the design of the WZ-19's export type," he said.

"Compared with its rivals in the market, the WZ-19E is easier to operate and maintain. It has a strong capability, and its price is competitive," he said.

Wu declined to reveal identities of potential buyers, but hinted they are traditional users of Chinese aircraft.

Pakistan, Bangladesh and some of the South American countries can be potential buyer of the helicopter. Pakistan is the largest buyer of the Chinese military equipment.

AVIC is displaying an export version of the WZ-19 reconnaissance/attack helicopter expo. The twin seat tandem helicopter is a modified version of Harbin Z-9W and has similar mechanical layout to the Eurocopter AS465 Dauphin series.

The Z-19 features a fenestron tail, damping its sound and therefore allows it achieve some level of acoustic stealthiness. The exhausts also protect the helicopter from infrared threats.

Z-19 can carry air-to-air missiles to battle enemy helicopters and can be used to conduct air-to-surface strike against tanks, armored vehicles and fortifications.