A Chinese Z-10 attack helicopter has been filmed swinging from side to side like a pendulum in midair while holding steady and under full control. The footage, shared widely on social media in recent days, has drawn attention for how maneuverable the helicopter is.
The video was shot at an air show by Fenglei, Chinese for “Wind and Thunder,” the aerobatic team of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force. Fenglei was formed in 2013 as China’s first helicopter aerobatic team and made its debut that year at the China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin, flying Z-10s. It has since added Z-19 and Z-20 helicopters to its displays.
The Z-10 is China’s first homegrown dedicated attack helicopter. Built by the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation, it was first shown to the public at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2012. The two-seater is designed mainly for anti-tank missions and can carry up to 16 anti-tank guided missiles, as well as air-to-air missiles, rockets and a cannon.
