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China to focus attention on heavy-lift helicopters
China's Aviation Industry has announced its intention to develop its own heavy-lift helicopter.
At a press conference on March 11, Hang Zhang Biao, director of Industrial Science and Technology Committee of March 11 told reporters, "We must have our own heavy-lift helicopters.
"Heavy-lift helicopters are important for nation-building and promoting national economic development, they not be replaced with other means of transport role."
He pointed out that China's complex terrain, and having faced some of the world's worst natural disasters as well as public health, social security and other types of emergencies, that heavy-lift helicopters have played an important role.
Zhang Biao, cited the example of the Mil Mi-26s whose outstanding performance working on relief operations in the aftermath of the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 attracted worldwide attention. Zhang Biao said such a programme would deliver political, economic benefits and 'safeguard our national security' and improve the air rescue system. It would also boost the opportunities for research and international cooperation.
He called for increased state investment in heavy-lift helicopters as soon as possible to start the development project, and urged the state to support heavy-lift helicopter development, like it is doing with the development of heavy-lift fixed wing aircraft.
Russia and China have already signed a joint venture agreement to develop new advanced heavy civil helicopters, but Zhang Biao says China needs to make breakthroughs in key technologies on its own.
A new Chinese heavy-lift helicopter would be used to tackle forest and urban fires, flying passengers and transporting freight, as well as counter terrorism and emergency rescue. At present the United States and Russia already have their own heavy-lift helicopters, Europe is developing its own heavy-lift helicopters.
In order to meet our national needs, to enhance China's comprehensive national strength, is imperative to develop heavy-lift helicopters.
China's helicopter industry after nearly 60 years of development, has successfully developed a 13-ton, four-ton, and two-ton helicopters, and is currently developing a seven-ton and one-ton helicopter.
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