Zhongbin Zb.26

The Zhongbin Zb.26 is a twin  (COD) aircraft developed by Zhongbin Aircraft Company for the Imperial Kodeshi Navy. It is a derivative of the Zhongbin Zb.25, a (ASW) aircraft, and shares many components and systems with it. The Zb.26 is used to transport personnel, mail, supplies, and high-priority cargo between aircraft carriers and shore bases. It can also perform utility, search and rescue, and medical evacuation missions. It saw service in the Imperial Kodeshi Navy until the mid-1980s.

Design and development
The Zb.26 was developed in response to a naval requirement for a dedicated aircraft that could operate from all types of aircraft carriers in service with the Imperial Kodeshi Navy. The Zhongbin Aircraft Company proposed a modified version of the Zb.25, which was already in production and service as an platform. The Zb.25 was chosen for its proven performance, reliability, and commonality with other naval aircraft. The main modifications to the Zb.25 included removing the ASW equipment, such as the radar, sonobuoys, torpedo, and rockets. Installing a large cargo door on the left side of the fuselage, strengthening the floor and installing cargo tie-downs and rollers allowing up to 1,587 kg (3,500 lb) of cargo to be carried in a rear cargo cage with the option to still carry three passengers. Additionally removable seats for nine passenger can be installed. Installing toilet in the rear of the fuselage opposite the rear loading door.

It has a conventional mid-wing, twin-engine aircraft of all-metal construction with a span of 18.5 m (61 ft) and a length of 14.6 m (48 ft, 10 in). The outer wing panels would stow for more compact deck storage by rotating the leading edges up and folding the panels aft. The Zb.26 also featured a bulbous forward cabin for the three-man crew and room for three passenger with room for an additional six passengers in the rear section. Additionally a small toilet was installed at the rear of the fuselage. Propulsion is provided by two Koudezhou KVT-01P-II turboprops, 2,796 kW (3,749 hp)., each driving a 3.6 m (12 ft) diameter 4-bladed Dongfang propellers.

Kodeshia
The first prototype of the Zb.26 flew on 15 June 1958, and the first production aircraft was delivered to the Imperial Kodeshi Navy on 30 November 1959. The Zb.26 entered service with the Imperial Kodeshi Navy in 4 January 1960, and was assigned to various carrier air wings and shore-based squadrons. The Zb.26 arrived too late to participate in the Great Kesh War. But it would play a vital role in supporting naval operations in the post war period.

During the initial post war demobilisation efforts it helped in transporting troops, weapons, ammunition, spare parts, medical supplies, and other essential items to and from the carriers as operations wound down. The Zb.26 also performed other missions, such as evacuating wounded personnel, delivering mail and VIPs, and conducting aerial surveys.

The Zb.26 remained in service with the Imperial Kodeshi Navy until the mid-1980s, when it was replaced by the new turbofan Nanbin N.43 COD aircraft that offered greater flexibility and versatility. Some Zb.26s were transferred to civil operators or sold to foreign customers.

Variants

 * Zb.26YM-1
 * Y = 原型; Yuánxíng ("Prototype"), M = 模型; Móxíng ("Model")
 * Initial prototype, converted from a Zb.25T-1.


 * Zb.26T-1
 * T = 通用; Tōngyòng ("Utility")

Initial production variant with seating for nine passengers or seating for three plus 1,587 kg (3,500 lb) of cargo, 43 built.
 * Zb.26KJ-1
 * J = 空中加油; Kōngzhōng jiāyóu ("KJ")

Dedicated with an additional fuel capacity for a total of 7,729 litres (2,042 gal), 18 built.
 * Zb.25D-1
 * D = 電子作戰; Diànzǐ zuòzhàn ( "Electronic warfare")

Electronic Countermeasures conversion of the Zb.26T-1, three conversions.
 * Zb.27KY-1
 * KY = 空中预警机; Kōngzhōng yùjǐngjī ("Airborne Early Warning Aircraft")
 * AEW conversion of Zb.26T-1 see Zhongbin Zb.27.


 * Zb.26KT
 * K = 客机; Kèjī ("Airliner"), T = 通用; Tōngyòng ("Utility"),
 * Civil conversion.

Civil operators

 * Kodeshia
 * Trans-Tethy Link operated 12 Zb.26KT conversions.
 * Sky Mountain Cargo operated 6 Zb.26KT conversions.

Former

 * Kodeshia
 * Imperial Kodeshi Navy – Naval Air Arm Approximately 61.