The Harbin Z-5 (Zhishengji – helicopter) is a Chinese variant of the Soviet
Mil Mi-4 piston powered helicopter. Before its discontinuation from service, it was produced in Harbin, China.
History
The USSR provided China with Mi-4 blueprints just a few years before the
Sino-Soviet split in 1958. Maiden flight was in 1958 and mass production started in the mid-1960s. China has produced a number of unique variants through this model, and the Z-5 was employed by the
PLA,
PLAAF and
PLANAF in large numbers as reserve forces. A total of 558 Z-5 were built. A few Z-5 helicopters were modified to carry machine-guns and rocket pods.[1]
During the Chinese-Western rapprochement, one Z-5 was refitted with a
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-6 "Twin Pac" turbo-shaft engine in 1979. Some sources refer to this as the Z-6, but this variant was discontinued after its first model.[2]
Variants
Z-5
Military transport helicopter.
Z-5 assault helicopter
Some Z-5 were converted to carry rocket pods on outriggers in addition to a gondola with a forward firing machine gun manned by the
flight engineer.
Z-5 Xuanfeng
Civil transport helicopter.
Z-5 VIP helicopter
VIP versions distinguishable by larger rectangular windows in the cabin.
Z-5 agricultural helicopter
Some Z-5s were fitted with chemical hoppers and/or spray gear for agricultural or forestry protection use.
Z-5 SAR helicopter
Thirteen z-5s are known to have been converted to SAR helicopters with a winch and external fuel tanks.