KONSAI WZ.5

The KONSAI WZ.5 is an single-engine, single two-bladed rotor,  developed by the Kodesian National Space and Aircraft Industry (KONSAI) for the Imperial Kodeshi Navy. The WZ.5 has autonomous take-off and landing capability. It is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. The WZ.5 is based on the KONSAI Z.1.

Origins
The origins of the KONSAI WZ.5 date back to the mid-1990s. At this time, the Kodeshi Armed Forces began considering the need for an unmanned combat vehicles for reconnaissance and scouting. However, due to budgetary constraints, it was decided that only one platform would be procured. In response, KONSAI launched an unmanned helicopter design based upon the existing KONSAI Z.1 which had been in service the Imperial Kodeshi Army since 1979. After successful flight testing, the KONSAI WZ.5 was introduced into production in 2009. Three prototypes were converted existing Army KONSAI Z.1QGs, with a further 25 produced for military use. The first production variant, designated WZ.5QZ, entered service in 2015, operating as a light reconnaissance helicopter for the army.

Operational history
The type was adopted by the Imperial Kodeshi Army shortly after entering service and is currently used by the air cavalry and reconnaissance battalions within the armoured brigades and mechanized infantry divisions. The success of the WZ.5QZ reconnaissance and scout helicopter platform led to the introduction of the WZ.5QG variant which added attack capability to the platform. The WZ.5QG carries out precision fire support missions including direct fire support to ground forces, and precision target support to ground and air forces. This success with the Army led to the Imperial Kodeshi Navy to procure the WZ.5QFS as a light ASW and ISR platform to meet the requirements of a navy aircraft changes to the maritime environment has brought about a number of new challenges for naval operations. It is capable of performing low altitude surveillance of coastal areas, reconnaissance of sea areas and underwater detection. It can also provide airborne early warning coverage for warships during long range anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surface fleet defense, and sea rescue capabilities.

Future and potential operators
In addition to the army and navy's usage, there have been reports that the WZ.5QZ has seen extensive export interest from other nations, with reports that the type was offered to Theyka.

Prototype Models

 * KONSAI WZ.5YM
 * F = 原型; Yuánxíng ("Prototype"), M = 模型; Móxíng ("Model")
 * Prototype version, three converted from Army KONSAI Z.1QGs.

Production Models

 * KONSAI WZ.5QZ
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"), Z = 侦察; Zhēnchá ("Reconnaissance")
 * Initial production variant. The light reconnaissance and scout helicopter for the Kodeshi Imperial Kodeshi Army. Initial delivery were made in 19XX. A total of 24 were built.


 * KONSAI WZ.5QG
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"), G = 搜救; Gōngjí ("Attack")
 * Armed military version operates as a light attack helicopter for the Imperial Kodeshi Army, 12 built.


 * KONSAI WZ.5QFS
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"), F = 反潜战; Fǎnqián zhàn ("Antisubmarine Warfare"),S = 搜救; Sōujiù ("Search & Rescue")
 * Armed naval version operates as a light ASW and SAR helicopter for the Imperial Kodeshi Navy, 40 built.

Operators
 Kodeshia
 * Imperial Kodeshi Army
 * Imperial Kodeshi Navy