New Chinese light helicopter makes its first flight
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
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