Aviation

The Chinese indigenous AC352 mid-size helicopter passes the certification test

The first domestic medium-sized helicopter type for civil usage in China was certified on Tuesday by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Things to know about china's Newly built AC352 helicopter.

The first domestic medium-sized helicopter type for civil usage in China was certified on Tuesday by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

According to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the most recent action signified the successful conclusion of Z15 development and opened the door for the helicopter’s debut into the market (AVIC).

Z15, also known as AC352, was created by AVIC Harbin Aircraft Industry Group Co., Ltd. as part of an AVIC and Airbus Helicopters collaboration effort. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 7.5 tonnes, a maximum range of 850 kilometres, and can accommodate up to 16 passengers.

It is the nation’s first civil helicopter that was created, examined, and approved in accordance with the Airworthiness Regulation of Transport Category Rotocraft, which was recently changed.

https://www.facebook.com/XinhuaSciTech/videos/1206281513475660/

AVIC and Airbus Helicopters jointly developed the twin-engine, multi-purpose AC352 civil helicopter. With a maximum take-off weight of 7.5 tonnes, it has a capacity of up to 16 passengers.

According to the AVIC, the new helicopter model strengthens the 7-tonne class civil helicopter family’s heritage and is crucial to China’s efforts to develop its helicopter industry.

Meet the Bell 360, the latest rival to the Sikorsky Raider X.(Opens in a new browser tab)

On December 20, 2016, the AC352 successfully concluded its initial flight. At the end of 2019, it started the flight-test process for airworthiness certification.

How Airbus gained trust in the Chinese aircraft market ?(Opens in a new browser tab)

The performance of the AC352 was fully validated during prior flight tests around the nation in sub-plateau regions, high and low temperatures, and other challenging conditions, according to the AVIC.

China’s top 3 airlines will purchase nearly 300 Airbus A320neo aircraft.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

American Airlines Is Looking for Flight Attendants: Apply Now

The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

Close Call at Heathrow: BA Flight Narrowly Escapes Drone Collision

China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.