(File photo)

China's own domestically built aircraft, Y-12F, has received certification of airworthiness from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.

The Y-12F, a new turboprop-powered utility regional aircraft, is the third type of aircraft manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to obtain FAA certification, following the Y-12IV and Y-12E. The aircraft is the only one among 23 eight-ton aircraft in the commuter category that has earned the certification and will be put into the market.

An aviation insider said this achievement proves that this type of aircraft has met the latest airworthiness standards, and that it is a breakthrough for the domestic civilian aircraft manufacturing industry. This accomplishment will also help to enhance the international influence and competitiveness of domestically built civilian aircraft.

According to a staff member of AVIC, the Y-12, a high-wing twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft built by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, is China's first domestically produced civilian aircraft that has obtained airworthiness certification from developed countries like the U.S., the U.K. and Russia.

Y-12F, the latest version of the Y-12, is a turboprop-powered utility regional aircraft that makes full use of mature aviation technology and is manufactured in accordance with CCAR 23-R 3 airworthiness standards by China Civil Aviation and Federal Aviation Regulations Part 23 by the FAA.

Y-12F aircraft can be used in various industries including passenger and cargo transportation, maritime monitoring, aerial delivery, aerial shooting, geological exploration, medical rescue and artificial precipitation.

The maximum take-off weight of this aircraft is 8.4 tons, and its largest payload is three tons. It has an economic cruising speed of 400 kilometers per hour, a longest cruising range of 2,255 kilometers, and a maximum ceiling of 7,000 meters. It can carry 19 passengers and three standard LD3 containers.

The aircraft is superior to other similar types of aircraft for its larger cabin volume, heavier payload capability, higher speed, longer cruising range and plateau capability.

Over 200 units of Y-12 aircraft have been delivered to and operated in nearly 30 countries and regions worldwide. It is expected that domestic and overseas demand for Y-12F aircraft will exceed 100 units.