ZHZ TD220

History of ZHZ TD220

The ZHZ TD220 is a Chinese-developed Unmanned Helicopter System (UHS) featuring a coaxial main rotor design, providing exceptional stability and control. It evolved from the "TC" model and boasts vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability, enabling operations in confined spaces. The aircraft layout is typical for UHS, with a main rotor mounted on the fuselage, a four-point skid assembly for ground support, and vertical fins for aerial control.

Equipped with a traversable optics-loaded "blister" assembly, the TD220 ensures unobstructed views of the terrain. The stacked dual main rotor assembly eliminates the need for a tail rotor, reducing costs by using electric components. With a rotor diameter of 3.9 meters, a fuselage length of 2.48 meters, and an overall height of 1.78 meters, the TD220 has a curb weight of 140 kg and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) close to 300 kg.

This unmanned helicopter can carry a payload of up to 100 kg to an altitude of 4 km, boasting a 5-hour endurance window at a cruising speed of 100 km/h. Power is provided by a 65 hp gasoline or kerosene engine, showcasing its versatility and efficiency in various military and civilian applications.

Specification

Fundamentals

Years of Service: 2025

Origins: China

Status: Under development

Crew: 0

Production: 1+

Manufacturer: Zhonghangzhi (ZHZ) Technology Co., Ltd. China

Roles

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR): Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance: Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Unmanned: Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Notable Features

Strong Aircraft Frame: The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Unmanned operation: The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Camera equipment: Payload supports photography devices that provide real-time still images and/or image/video results.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 8.1 feet (2.48 m)

Width/span: 13.0 feet (3.96 m)

Height: 5.8 feet (1.78m)

Cured weight: 309 lbs (140kg)

MTOW: 639 lbs (290kg)

Wgt Difference: +331 lbs (+150 kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x 65hp petrol/kerosene fueled conventional engine driven 2 x two bladed main rotor units arranged coaxially on the fuselage.

Maximum speed: 75 km/h (120 km/h | 65 kn)

Cruising speed: 62 km/h (100 km/h | 54 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +12 km/h (+20 km/h | 11 kn)

Maximum: 13,123 feet (4,000 m | 2 mi)

Area : 342 km (550 km | 1,019 nautical miles)