Plateau helicopter makes maiden flight

Aviation Industry Corp of China, the nation's leading aircraft maker, has conducted the maiden flight of its AC332, a new multifunctional helicopter for civilian use, especially on plateaus.

The test flight took place on Friday afternoon at an airport for AVIC Tianjin Helicopter in the municipality's eastern suburbs, with an AC332 prototype flying about 15 minutes in front of invited guests.

The test verified the helicopter's overall flight capability and its performance in maneuverability and passenger comfort, according to Li Shengwei, the AC332's chief designer.

He said that test flights for airworthiness certification will conclude in 2025 and deliveries will start soon after the issuance of certificates.

At a ceremony after the flight, AVIC Tianjin Helicopter signed orders for 18 AC332s with five buyers including Poly Aviation Technologies in Beijing and Heligolden Aviation in Yunnan province. The aircraft maker also signed an agreement of intent to purchase six AC332s with an aircraft rental company in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Propelled by two high-power, fuel-efficient engines, the AC332 has a maximum takeoff weight of about 3.9 metric tons and is capable of carrying 12 people — two pilots and 10 passengers.

It has a maximum cruising speed of 260 kilometers per hour and a maximum range of 693 km.

When deployed on a plateau with an altitude of 4,500 meters, it will be able to carry passengers or supplies with a combined weight of 600 kilograms and travel 600 km.

Li said users will find the helicopter very useful in a wide range of operations, including emergency rescue, medical assistance, law enforcement and marine logistics support.

"The helicopter will be especially useful when someone on a plateau needs assistance to transport personnel or cargo, conduct search and rescue, or provide medical aid in an efficient and rapid manner," Li said.

Compared with its competitors in the market, the new helicopter has big advantages in terms of carrying capacity, speed, operational radius and plateau performance, and boasts lower costs in purchase, operation and maintenance, he noted.

Wu Peixin, an aviation industry observer, said, "There are a lot of hills and plateaus in this country. The complex landform and tough weather make it difficult to transport people and cargo in and out and to respond to emergencies. Our nation is in urgent need of helicopters like the AC332 that can fit well in high-altitude regions."