Chinese Amphibious Helicopter
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Chinese Amphibious Helicopter
Something big and green (Merlin size or larger) flew straight down the middle of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong today and landed on the water next to the conference centre in Wanchai.
Was on the water for a bit and then cranked up and flew off again...any ideas ?
Was on the water for a bit and then cranked up and flew off again...any ideas ?
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Rmac ...
Look like this ?
If so ...
Aérospatiale Super Frelon but built in China and known there as a Z-8
Look like this ?
If so ...
Aérospatiale Super Frelon but built in China and known there as a Z-8
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 4th Sep 2013 at 17:57.
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Could it have been a Changhe Z-8/Z-8F, which is a development of the Super Frelon SA 321 Super Frelon?
Z-8:
Super Frelon of the French Navy:
Z-8:
Super Frelon of the French Navy:
Last edited by airborne_artist; 4th Sep 2013 at 17:57.
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Depressing that the Chinese have now got stuff with better capability than we have...although keeping salt water corrosion at bay must be a nightmare..
Way back in 1977 there was a line of them waiting in a hangar at Aerospatiale in Marignane They had been bought and were in Chinese markings awaiting clearance from Washington.
The clue as to why is in the rotor system. All French products normally have a rotor turning clockwise from above. The Super Frelon goes anti-clockwise because the rotor system is licenced from and at that time was built by Sikorsky which is why Washington had to give approval for them to be delivered.
The clue as to why is in the rotor system. All French products normally have a rotor turning clockwise from above. The Super Frelon goes anti-clockwise because the rotor system is licenced from and at that time was built by Sikorsky which is why Washington had to give approval for them to be delivered.
In 1968 I flew over Hong Kong harbour in one of these which was operated by the RHKAAF, although we didnt land on the water on that occasion.
http://www.helikitnews.com/issues/alou.jpg
But I'm guessing it wasn't an Alouette 3
http://www.helikitnews.com/issues/alou.jpg
But I'm guessing it wasn't an Alouette 3
Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 4th Sep 2013 at 20:05.
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Do they operate the Mi14?
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I hope I'm not being racist, but Chinese helicopters smell awful inside. And they don't paint the interior of the cockpits that nice calming shade of green you get in Russian products.
From an interior design perspective, I can't recommend them at all. Sorry.
From an interior design perspective, I can't recommend them at all. Sorry.
).