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 30 t civil Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL), likely also useful to the Chinese military. In 2014, the 6,000 kW (8,000 hp) Chinese WZ-20 was reportedly selected. In 2015, the joint project with Russian Helicopters grew to 38.2 t, with a seven blade main rotor and a 5,700 m ceiling. In 2016, Avic took control, leaving Russian Helicopters as a supplier, presumably of the transmission. In 2018, maximum weight grew again to 42 t.

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 12,000 hp 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 38.7 t takeoff weight and a 42 t MTOW allow for a 10 t internal payload or a 15 t external one. AVIC targets a range of 800 km (432 nmi), a cruise of 270 km/h (146 kn) and a 6,000 m ceiling. Design targets are closer to the Sikorsky CH-53K than the 56 t MTOW Russian Mil Mi-26. The 39.9 t CH-53K is the largest US helicopter.