The Z-15 will be mainly oriented to market applications in the civilian and quasi-public fields. Its main markets are the oil and gas industry and search and rescue mission support. Other applicable roles include paramilitary operations, homeland security, air medical services, utility and corporate transportation missions.
Innovative calculation tools and close cooperation with AVIC saved a lot of time, and extensive use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing was used in the work, such as the gears and main gearbox (MGB) of the Z15 and the casing, All have been developed entirely using CATIA V5, which is also the first time for Eurocopter. By applying CAD tools, a set of physical models was created between Eurocopter and Harbin Aircraft Corporation, simplifying coordination between the two partners who are tens of thousands of kilometers apart. It took Eurocopter only four years to complete the development of this helicopter. In November 2008, the first EC175 fuselage structure was delivered to Eurocopter by Hafei in Marseille. Eurocopter is responsible for the development and production of the Z-15's main gearbox, tail rotor, avionics, autopilot, hydraulics and electrical, doors and transparent components. As well as completing the final system integration work and building two of the three prototypes (the first and the third). Hafei will be responsible for the R&D and production of the fuselage, tail and intermediate gearbox, main rotor, fuel system, flight controls and landing gear. The Z-15 uses two 1,325 kW (2,000 horsepower) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E turboshaft engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). It has a 5,000-hour time between maintenance (TBO). The Z-15 uses a five-blade elastic main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor. Its main gearbox will include two accessory gearboxes and eliminate the clutch, thereby reducing the cost and weight of the auxiliary power unit (APU).
Depending on the specific configuration, the Z-15 can carry up to 16 passengers. It features large, easy-to-use sliding doors and oversized portholes. The Z-15 has a flat floor, eliminating any separation between the cockpit and cabin. The aircraft will offer optional under-cabin floor drop tanks.