China eyes new generation of tech-driven helicopters Liu Xuanzun Published: Jun 27, 2021 05:50 PM An attack helicopter attached to an army aviation brigade of the PLA 71st Group Army flies to the target area during a recent round-the-clock live-fire training exercise above China's Yellow Sea. Pilots' capability has been comprehensively tested and improved during the exercise featured with low altitude operations, in-depth attack, mixed manned and unmanned operations, and all elements coordination. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Xiang Xu) After having established a family of helicopter types that has several dozen models, including advanced fourth-generation choppers like the Z-20, China aims to go beyond and design more advanced new choppers. These models would include heavy transport helicopters, next-generation high-speed helicopters and new concept helicopters that would integrate the latest technologies - including artificial intelligence (AI) - into their designs, top Chinese helicopter experts said last week.