Aviation

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

China certified the recently designed AC 352 helicopter. This was created in collaboration with Airbus and a Chinese corporation. It belongs to the medium helicopter 7 tns category

Yesterday, China certified the recently designed AC 352 helicopter. This was created in collaboration with Airbus and a Chinese corporation. It belongs to the medium helicopter 7 tns category. The H 175 helicopter from Airbus has been modernized. They were granted a new name, AC 352, following their partnership.

It can hold 14 to 16 passengers.

The twin-engine, wide-body AC352 (Z15) variant can accommodate up to 14–16 passengers and has a maximum takeoff weight of 7.5 tonnes. As one of the best medium helicopters in the world for safety, comfort, environmental protection, controllability, and economic efficiency thanks to the application of numerous mature advanced technologies and notable performance advantages, the AC352 (Z15) helicopter is made to adhere to the most recent international airworthiness standards.

Fastest helicopter in its class

In addition, it is the quickest helicopter of its kind. The AC352 (Z15) helicopter combines high product quality and flight comfort by paying close attention to every detail.

This concept can be used in many different contexts, including offshore transportation, search and rescue, utility transportation, police services and law enforcement, EMS and supply delivery, etc., and it can accommodate a wide range of customer requests.

Airbus and Avic partnership

The Airbus Helicopters H175 is a medium utility helicopter of the 7-ton class that is manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter Group). Avicopter AC352 is the name given to the H175 in China by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). It was first introduced as the Eurocopter EC175 and the Harbin Z-15, and has been called a “super-medium” helicopter.

Design improvement over H 175

The AC352 (Z15) is a top-tier collaborative product created by experts in four cities from China and France, 10,000 kilometres away, and achieved leapfrog development in Chinese civil helicopter history.

It has a new design concept, innovative and advanced technologies, a new development and management model, effective use of global resources, and modern information technologies.

Agreement to producing 1,000 AC352s

2014 had seen the signing of a joint production deal between AVIC and Airbus for 1,000 AC352s. The AC352 (Z15) helicopter was created by AVIC HAIG and Airbus Helicopter in an effort to complement one another’s strengths.

It is powered by the turboshaft WZ16

The state-run engine manufacturer Aero Engine Corporation of China and Safran Helicopter Engines created the turboshaft WZ16 engine, which powers the helicopter. Both Chinese and European authorities certified it as the first helicopter engine.

Chinese-produced AC352s are equipped with two modular 1,800 shp class, dual-FADEC Turbomeca Ardiden 3C/WZ16 turboshaft engines, which were specifically developed by a joint partnership between Turbomeca and AVIC Engine for the rotorcraft

Locally produced variant of the Airbus H175

The AC352 is a locally made version of the Airbus H175, which has been in operation outside of China since 2015 and is intended to undertake search and rescue, emergency medical services, and law enforcement missions. It was developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Airbus.

Weight ratio

It can support different ratios as well as the maximum takeoff weight of 7500 kg.

O&G empty weight with equipment (including engine oil and unusable fuel, and excluding initial tools)	4550kg⁽¹⁾
Utility transport empty weight with equipment (including engine oil and unusable fuel, and excluding initial tools)	4404kg⁽¹⁾
Max. Take-off weight	7500kg
Max. external slings weight	3000kg

Power

2 Turboshaft WZ16 engines (AEO)	kW
Take-off Power (TOP)	1243
Max. Continuous Power (MCP)	1100

Fuel usable

Standard fuel tank with gravity refilling	2533 liters	2001 kg
Standard fuel tank with ground pressure refilling (ground pressure refilling equipment is included in mission equipment package)	2616 liters	2066 kg

Source : click

Aviation

Airbus and French Aerospace Firms Growing Exports from India

In a significant move to bolster its supply chain, European aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to ramp up component sourcing from India, tapping into the country’s vast opportunities.

During a press briefing in New Delhi on October 7, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strategic importance of India within the Airbus supply chain, highlighting the company’s robust network of over 100 suppliers in the region.

Etihad Reactivates Another A380 and Unveils New Route

Faury, who also serves as Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), noted that there are abundant prospects for collaboration between Indian and French aerospace companies. Leading a high-level delegation from GIFAS, comprising more than 60 companies and over 100 representatives, Faury aims to foster deeper partnerships and enhance business opportunities between India and France.

“We will continue to grow our sourcing of components,” Faury stated, forecasting a doubling of component sourcing approximately every five years over the next decade. This stable growth trajectory underscores Airbus’s commitment to deepening its ties with India.

S7 Group Begins Fan Blade Production for Western Engine Models

Currently, Airbus holds an impressive order book of around 8,600 aircraft and anticipates producing about 770 planes this year. This ambitious production plan aligns with the expected surge in India’s domestic air passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, according to Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

During the briefing, Naidu also highlighted the substantial investments being made to develop India’s airport infrastructure, with $11 billion allocated for this purpose. The government plans to develop 200 additional airports over the next 20 to 25 years, significantly expanding the current count of 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. By the end of 2025, the number of operational airports is expected to reach 200.

“The potential for partnership between India and France is immense,” Naidu remarked, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit that Airbus and French aerospace firms seek to cultivate in India.