Harbin Z-5

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.

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.

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.
 * Harbin/CHDRI Z-6 : A turboshaft variant of the Z-5, eleven aircraft built.

Current

 * Korean People's Army Air Force − 48 Mi-4s and Z-5s as of 2024
 * Korean People's Army Air Force − 48 Mi-4s and Z-5s as of 2024

Former

 * Albanian Air Force − 37 Z-5s received from China between 1967 and 1971 to replace Soviet-built Mi-4s in service. By 2010, they were replaced with Bell 205, Bell 206, AgustaWestland AW109, and MBB Bo 105 helicopters
 * Albanian Air Force − 37 Z-5s received from China between 1967 and 1971 to replace Soviet-built Mi-4s in service. By 2010, they were replaced with Bell 205, Bell 206, AgustaWestland AW109, and MBB Bo 105 helicopters
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force − Operated 350 Z-5s and Z-6s in 2010
 * People's Liberation Army Ground Force
 * People's Liberation Navy − Operated at least six Z-5s in 2010
 * Flag of Democratic Kampuchea.svg Khmer Rouge
 * National Army of Democratic Kampuchea − Status unknown after 1990s
 * National Army of Democratic Kampuchea − Status unknown after 1990s