The Z-9W, the attack-helicopter version of the Harbin Z-9 Haitun, was the first Chinese helicopter able to destroy armored targets, armed with two Norinco HJ-8 or HJ-8E tube-launched and wire-guided anti-tank guided missles.   Its launch range was 0.6-3 km and was effective in penetrating armor plating up to 600 mm thick.

The first prototype first flew in 1987.  After entering service, additional armament options included:  18-tube pods with 57 mm FFARs; nine-tube pods with 90 mm FFARs; two 12.7 mm machine-guns or 23 mm cannons; up to four TY-90 short-range IR-homing AAMs with a range of 6 km.  Armed with the TY-90 AAMs, the Z-9W was capable of attacking other helicopters.

Maximum internal and external payloads are 2,038 kg and 1,600 kg, respectively.  The machine is equipped with the same WZ8A engines as the Z-9.