SA321 Super Frelon vs Z-18

French heavy transport helicopter, operational during the Cold War, prominently used by China, France, and Israel.
Picture of SA321 Super Frelon
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 7 December 1962
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 110 units
Average unit price $3.5 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 18.9 m
Height 6.7 m
Length 23.0 m
Maximum speed 275 km/h
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 3,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,000 kg
Empty weight 6,865 kg
Total thrust 3 x 1,155 kW
Profile drawing of Aérospatiale SA321 Super Frelon
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 SA321 Super Frelon or Z-18?
The Z-18 is faster with a maximum speed of 336 km/h compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 275 km/h, a difference of 61 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SA321 Super Frelon or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the SA321 Super Frelon or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher service ceiling at 9,000 meters (29,527 ft) compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 3,100 meters (10,170 ft).
Which is heavier, the SA321 Super Frelon or Z-18?
The Z-18 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,800 kg compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 13,000 kg.
Which is larger, the SA321 Super Frelon or Z-18?
The Z-18 is longer at 23.0 meters compared to the SA321 Super Frelon's 23.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the SA321 Super Frelon or Z-18?
The SA321 Super Frelon entered service first in 1966, 52 years before the Z-18 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SA321 Super Frelon or Z-18?
The Z-18 has been produced in greater numbers with 133 units compared to 110 units of the SA321 Super Frelon.