People take a close look at the AC352 utility helicopter after it finished its maiden flight in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Tuesday. More AC352 pictures

China is able to develop and produce best civilian helicopters, designer says

China conducted the maiden flight of a new utility helicopter on Tuesday morning in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, which designers said indicates the nation has become a top developer of civilian helicopters.

The silver AC352 made a 10-minute flight as hundreds of government and military officials, researchers and workers as well as representatives from Airbus Helicopters watched at Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, a manufacturer of the helicopter.

As China's first 7-metric-ton class helicopter, the AC352 was codeveloped by Avicopter, parent company of Harbin Aircraft Industry, and Airbus Helicopters, starting in 2006. The two sides expect to sell about 800 to 1,000 AC352s - which Airbus Helicopters refers to as H175 - over the coming 20 years, with the profit from sales to be split equally, Avicopter officials said.

The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 7.5 tons and a cruise speed of 280 kilometers per hour, while its flight range is at least 1,000 km, according to Avicopter.

Avicopter said the AC352 is one of the most comfortable and eco-friendly medium-sized helicopters in the world, adding that in addition to two pilots, the helicopter can transport up to 16 passengers.

Lu Weijian, chief designer of the AC352 at Avicopter, said his company is responsible for a lot of the helicopter's major components, such as the main rotor and flight control system.

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