Homegrown designs grab air show spotlight

China's homegrown helicopters and drones are now officially "world-class," said designers with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) at the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

Making its debut this year, the advanced light twin-engine civil helicopter AC3X2 was a focus of attention at the exhibition, also known as Airshow China. Shaped like a fish with wings, the intellectual property behind the helicopter is entirely domestically developed, according to Xu Chaoliang, the craft's chief designer.

"Its key focus is emergency medical support, as it can reach any rescue site rapidly and carry large loads, especially places where other emergency vehicles cannot access or take longer to reach," Xu told reporters at a press conference.

Xu added that the model can also be used by police and for short-range over-water transportation, such as in transporting oil rig personnel. "The AC3X2's double engine guarantees its ability to take off and land safely even if one engine fails."

"We hope that AC3X2 can be accredited by international organizations such as Federal Aviation Administration," Xu said.

According to Xu, mass production of the AC3X2 has not yet started, and his team will continue to use customer feedback to refine the craft. The final appearance, however, will be as shown at Airshow China.

Xu said Chinese civil helicopter manufacturers need to improve after-sale service to cope with pressure from foreign helicopter companies, as the Chinese market is now open and the AC3X2 will face competitors. "But there is no doubt that we will hold a competitive edge against overseas counterparts in price," Xu said.

Also under the spotlight at Airshow China were a series of AVIC drone products. In particular, the Yilong, or Pterodactyl drone, was believed to have been selected by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force for purchase, as it was displayed along with other aircraft on active duty.

Li Yidong, chief designer for the Yilong, told reporters that the drone has automatic defenses making it difficult for hackers to hijack during operation.

"The Yilong drone, which is now on active service, can perform both combat and reconnaissance missions, a feat accomplished by only four other craft. All technologies applied on the drone are [domestically] developed," said Dai Chuan, a deputy chief designer at Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute of AVIC.

Dai added that another drone model Haihunzhe, known as the Sea Patroller, is also equipped with cutting-edge technology, and recently achieved the feat of making China only the second nation in the world to accomplish a precise, safe landing on a moving vehicle. "[The Sea Patroller] is only the third drone ever to land on a moving vehicle precisely. This is craft's most important technology," Dai said, adding that such a landing requires even more advanced technology than a fighter jet's landing on an aircraft carrier.

The Sea Patroller is able to launch from ships of different tonnages, from a fishing boat to an aircraft carrier, according to Dai. With a range of 150 kilometers, it can transmit real-time data for both civil and military use. "The model is expected to get a clearer picture of fishery areas, thus helping to solve fishery disputes," Dai added.