AW139 vs Z-18

Overview

The AW139 and the Z-18 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Changhe respectively.

Top speed is 310 km/h for the AW139 vs 336 km/h for the Z-18. The AW139 has an operational range of 1,061 km vs 1,000 km for the Z-18. The Z-18 operates at altitudes up to 9,000 m compared to 6,096 m for the AW139. At 13,800 kg MTOW, the Z-18 is 2.2x the AW139's 6,400 kg.

The AW139 has been produced in 1,100 units vs 133 for the Z-18. The AW139 first flew 9 years before the Z-18 (2001 vs 2010).

Italian multi-purpose helicopter, highly significant in SAR, EMS, offshore transportation, law enforcement roles, since its introduction in 2003.
AgustaWestland AW139 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 3 February 2001
Year introduced 2003
Number produced 1100 units
Average unit price $15 million
Chinese utility helicopter, employed since 2014, notably for high altitude operations and transportation in People's Liberation Army.
Changhe Z-18 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Changhe
First flight 18 March 2010
Year introduced 2018
Number produced 133 units
Average unit price --
Wingspan 13.8 m
Height 3.7 m
Length 13.8 m
Maximum speed 310 km/h
Operational range 1,061 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,400 kg
Empty weight 3,622 kg
Total thrust 2 x 571 kW
Wingspan 19.0 m
Height 6.7 m
Length 23.0 m
Maximum speed 336 km/h
Operational range 1,000 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,800 kg
Empty weight 6,865 kg
Total thrust 3 x 433 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW139 or Z-18?
The Z-18 is faster with a maximum speed of 336 km/h compared to the AW139's 310 km/h, a difference of 26 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW139 or Z-18?
The AW139 has a longer range at 1,061 km compared to the Z-18's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW139 or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the AW139's 6,096 meters (20,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW139 or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,800 kg compared to the AW139's 6,400 kg.
Which is larger, the AW139 or Z-18?
The Z-18 is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the AW139's 13.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the AW139 or Z-18?
The AW139 entered service first in 2003, 15 years before the Z-18 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW139 or Z-18?
The AW139 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,100 units compared to 133 units of the Z-18.