OVERVIEW: Chinese dipping sonars, Essential anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tools, enabling detection, localization, and tracking of underwater threats in littoral and open-ocean environments.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: These systems consist of a variable-depth sonar transducer lowered into the water by a winch and cable from the helicopter's fuselage. Operating primarily in the mid-frequency (MF) range, the sonar performs both active and passive acoustic detection. The active mode emits pulses to detect submerged targets, while the passive mode listens for submarine-generated noise. Chinese systems are believed to be based on indigenous development with design influences from imported technologies, and are comparable in capability to Western analogs like the AN/AQS-22. They are integrated with airborne ASW suites, torpedoes, and tactical datalinks for real-time engagement.

ROLE SUMMARY:
Category: Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare Sensor
Primary Use: Submarine detection, classification, and localization
Function: Active/passive sonar operations
Platform: ASW helicopters (Z-20F, Z-18F)
Integration: Tied to helicopter mission systems, acoustic processors, and torpedo fire control

See Specific information under [Sensors/EW] and [Properties] sections.

SOURCE:
PLAN Aviation Development Reports (Open Source)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbin_Z-20
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changhe_Z-18