NH90 / Caiman vs Z-18

European multinational medium-sized military helicopter, known for deployment in various peace-keeping and combat missions since the 1990s.
Picture of NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy 🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer NHIndustries
First flight 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 471 units
Average unit price $42 million
Chinese utility helicopter, employed since 2014, notably for high altitude operations and transportation in People's Liberation Army.
Picture of Z-18
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Changhe
First flight 18 March 2010
Year introduced 2018
Number produced 133 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wingspan 16.3 m
Height 5.3 m
Length 19.6 m
Maximum speed 300 km/h
Operational range 880 km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 10,600 kg
Empty weight 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,693 kW
Profile drawing of NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman
Wingspan -- 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 1,300 kW
Profile drawing of Changhe Z-18

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of Z-18 by 日本防衛省.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the NH90 / Caiman or Z-18?
The Z-18 is faster with a maximum speed of 336 km/h compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 300 km/h, a difference of 36 km/h.
Which has longer range, the NH90 / Caiman or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 880 km.
Which can fly higher, the NH90 / Caiman or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the NH90 / Caiman or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,800 kg compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 10,600 kg.
Which is larger, the NH90 / Caiman or Z-18?
The Z-18 is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 19.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the NH90 / Caiman or Z-18?
The NH90 / Caiman entered service first in 2004, 14 years before the Z-18 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the NH90 / Caiman or Z-18?
The NH90 / Caiman has been produced in greater numbers with 471 units compared to 133 units of the Z-18.