The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic) announced last week it had completed the first test flight of its indigenous multirole AC332 helicopter. The flight occurred at Tainjin in North China.
The twin-engine, four-blade, fenestron-equipped rotorcraft is said to be capable of carrying 10 passengers and has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,500 pounds and a cruising speed of 140 knots. Range is reported as 374 nautical miles.
AVIC also reported it signed purchase agreements and letters of intent for 24 AC322s from the first customers. A lessor based in Xiamen signed for six, and a consortium of Chinese general aviation operators committed to another 18. Proposed missions for the AC332 include general transportation, search-and-rescue and law enforcement. Avic expects type certification in 2025. Li Shengwei, chief designer of the AC332, told reporters that the AC332’s rotor system has been improved to ensure greater efficiency under high-elevation “plateau” operating conditions. “Today’s first flight showed the helicopter’s outstanding handling and maneuverability. It also has good comfort, low flight vibration and low noise,” he said.
Is it me or does that look just like a Jet Ranger?
generally, imitation is a compliment. here, it might be a result of espionage!
Agree, but even the communists have the same laws of aerodynamics and there are only so many ways to make a helicopter.
Except there are a myriad of types out there. So they used the best stolen data from Bell and Aerospatiale, to make a nice Heli…..to bad it is probably “Harbor Freight” quality.
Totally right, Mr. Rich K.
Except for the two engines, 10-passenger cabin, almost 3x mtow, four blades, and the fenestron, yeah. Carbon copy. C’mon guys.
Numbers spouted by the seller.
The cynicism about the affirmation on a “chinese” helicopter is amazing!
Chinese helicopter! LOL Sure! LOL
Unbelievable!
I wonder what kind of corruption is behind this and many other “chinese” projects that looks just like American projects.
Whit all the corruption about everything in The U.S. today I bet there are many from all parts involved with kick back money and corruption.
Then “they” say:
OH this is espionage! LOL
yea right…
Gee…I wonder where they got (stole?) those plans from?
We’re doing it to ourselves.
Face it, humanity is a colossal train wreck at every level.
Not for long.
They didn’t get that tail from Bell.
Not for long …, as soon as a nuclear WW III starts. And, I’m sure of it, russia, China and north korea are not going to be the winners.
Actually if there is any kind of nuclear war, no one will be a “winner.” Although, that does not mean that whoever starts one is sane enough to realize that…