06.04.2010 New Heavyweight Helicopter Avicopter AC313

Chinese state-owned helicopter manufacturer Avicopter flew its AC313 helicopter from its Jingdezhen facility in eastern China's Jiangxi province. The triple-engined 13.8t AC313 is a development of the Harbin Z-8 military helicopter. Avicopter AC313 can carry 27 passengers and has a maximum range of 900 km, will fill a gap in China's helicopter product line-up. It can be used for transport, cargo, search and rescue, fire-fighting, offshore exploration and medical evacuation missions.

With three Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-67A engines the AC313 is the largest helicopter developed in China. Following Chinese certification the first AC313 is planned to be delivered to the launch customer, Flying Dragon Special Aviation, in 2011. AVIC will then seek both EASA and FAA certification.

Goto chapter Aerospace industry