(CRI Online) 14:45, December 20, 2016
The Avicopter AC352, a joint-project between China and France, is making its maiden flight on December 20, 2016 in Harbin, China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province.
Previously known as the Eurocopter EC175 and the Avicopter Z-15, the 7-ton class medium utility helicopter was jointly developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter Group) and the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
The new medium-heavy twin-engine helicopter is China’s first, and is one of the world’s most advanced 7-ton class medium utility helicopters currently.
The engine was built in China, along with some other major components.
The Avicopter AC352 is built for civilian and para-public applications, with search and rescue missions and the oil and gas industry seen as major markets.
