China commissions first 7-tonne civil helicopter

BEIJING: China today commissioned its first seven-tonne helicopter, which can be used for operations like search and rescue and law enforcement, marking a new advancement in its aviation industry.

The new Chinese civil helicopter made its maiden flight , marking a new development in the China's helicopter industry, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) said.

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, AVIC said.

It will boost the development of the nation's helicopter industry, Wu Ximing, chief designer of helicopters for AVIC was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

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.

Global resources were pooled in research and production of the helicopter, according to AVIC.

The new helicopters are expected to be delivered to clients in 2018, Lu said.

AVIC plans to carry out research on heavy-lift helicopters in accordance with national planning, aiming to make a breakthrough in research on high-speed helicopters and tiltrotor helicopters, Wu said.