By Mary Grady | August 17, 2016
The AC312E, a new light twin-engine helicopter developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, has completed its first flight, the company has announced. The helicopter, designed to carry up to nine passengers or more than 1,300 pounds of cargo, is aimed at both the domestic and international markets. It can be used for a variety of missions, including medical assistance, search and rescue, police use, and VIP transport. The first flight took place in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, on July 27.
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By Mary Grady | August 16, 2016
Two unique aircraft now ready to start flight tests are waiting on the ground as crews deal with various glitches. Doc, the B-29 that has been under restoration for years, finally flew last month, but the flight lasted just 15 minutes, shorter than was planned. The flight was cut short after a chip detector device, which monitors the presence of metal debris in the engine, lit up. Also, the Airlander, the huge lighter-than-air vehicle under development in the UK by Hybrid Air Vehicles, exited its hangar last week, but the first flight, expected on Sunday, was delayed at the last minute.
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By Elaine Kauh | August 17, 2016
The giant Airlander 10 went aloft for the first time today from Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire, England, completing a successful test for its maker, Hybrid Air Vehicles. The 300-foot, blimp-like aircraft landed before dark after about 15 minutes. Crews spent much of the day preparing for the first flight.
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