GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

H120 / EC120 Colibri vs Z-18

Changhe Z-18 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇨🇳 Z-18
Change comparison vs
Specifications
H120 / EC120 Colibri Z-18
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters Changhe
First flight 9 June 1995 18 March 2010
Year introduced 1998 2018
Number produced 700 units 133 units
Average unit price -- --
Wingspan 10.0 m 19.0 m
Height 3.4 m 6.7 m
Length 11.5 m 23.0 m
Maximum speed 278 km/h 336 km/h
Operational range 727 km 1,000 km
Service ceiling 17,600 m 9,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,700 kg 13,800 kg
Empty weight 950 kg 6,865 kg
Total thrust 1 x 376 kW 3 x 433 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The H120 / EC120 Colibri and the Z-18 are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and Changhe respectively.

Top speed is 278 km/h for the H120 / EC120 Colibri vs 336 km/h for the Z-18. The H120 / EC120 Colibri has an operational range of 727 km vs 1,000 km for the Z-18. The H120 / EC120 Colibri operates at altitudes up to 17,600 m compared to 9,000 m for the Z-18. At 13,800 kg MTOW, the Z-18 is 8.1x the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 1,700 kg.

The H120 / EC120 Colibri has been produced in 700 units vs 133 for the Z-18. The H120 / EC120 Colibri first flew 15 years before the Z-18 (1995 vs 2010).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or Z-18?
The Z-18 is faster with a maximum speed of 336 km/h compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 278 km/h, a difference of 58 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 727 km.
Which can fly higher, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or Z-18?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri has a higher service ceiling at 17,600 meters (57,742 ft) compared to the Z-18's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,800 kg compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 1,700 kg.
Which is larger, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or Z-18?
The Z-18 is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the H120 / EC120 Colibri's 11.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or Z-18?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri entered service first in 1998, 20 years before the Z-18 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H120 / EC120 Colibri or Z-18?
The H120 / EC120 Colibri has been produced in greater numbers with 700 units compared to 133 units of the Z-18.