Marking a new development in China’s helicopter industry, a new Chinese civil helicopter made its maiden flight on Tuesday (Dec 20), the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) said.
It will boost the development of the nation’s helicopter industry, said Wu Ximing, chief designer of helicopters for AVIC.
The AC352 civil helicopter is a multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter with a 7.5-tonne maximum take-off weight, and is capable of carrying up to 16 passengers.
Lu Weijian, chief designer of the AC352, said the helicopter can be used in fields including offshore transportation, search and rescue, law enforcement, general transport and medical assistance.
The new helicopters are expected to be delivered to clients in 2018, Lu said.
