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).

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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