The Z-11 is the Chinese version of the French AS 350B Squirrel light helicopter. The Z-11 is two-ton class six-seater lightweight helicopter. The three-blade main rotor is mounted above center of fuselage. A single turboshaft engine is mounted inside the body with air intakes on top of the cabin and a blackhole exhaust.
The Z-11 program was approved in 1989 and the development began in 1992. The first flight of the Z-11 took place in December 1994, with production by the Changhe Aircraft Industry Corporation.
The Z-11 is designed for training, scout, liaison and rescue, as well as various civil missions. Although descrined by the manufacturer as multi-mission, the future of the helicopter is constrained by its limited take-off weight, modest armament, low suvivability, and outdated technology. Consequently, the PLA only ordered a few (no more than 20) Z-11s for pilot training.
