Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

New Chinese light helicopter makes its first flight

10th November 2010 - 17:05 GMT | by Tony Osborne in London

RSS

Chinese state-owned helicopter manufacturer Avicopter - part of China Aviation Industry Corporation or AVIC II - completed the first flight of its AC311 light utility helicopter on 8 November at Tianjin.

On the same day the company gained the first orders for the new aircraft, signing up two customers: the Guiyang Municipal People's Government and the Public Security Bureau of Tianjin Binhai New Area.

Avicopter said the AC311, which looks rather like a cross between a Eurocopter AS350/Changhe Z-11 and a Eurocopter EC120, has a maximum take off weight of 2,200 kg and can carry up to six people.

The company claims the

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Tony Osborne

Tony was deputy editor of Defence Helicopter and Rotorhub magazines before joining Aviation Week in …

Read full bio

More from Defence Helicopter

Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine

Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook

Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut

Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter

The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters

The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest

Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.