China's AC332 Multipurpose Helicopter completes First Flight

China's indigenous multirole helicopter, the AC332, completed its first flight in North China's Tianjin on Friday.
Its developer, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) focused on developing a product with performance and operating costs comparable to those of advanced foreign counterparts and realize advantages in terms of its plateau performances, Ma Dequan, general manager of AVIC Tianjin Helicopter Co Ltd, was quoted as saying to Global Times.
The AC332 is a four ton-class advanced twin-engine, single-rotor, multirole helicopter. It can carry 10 passengers and has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,850 kilograms, a maximum cruising speed of 260 kilometers an hour and a maximum range of 693 kilometers, the Global Times learned from its developer.
The chopper can fly at an altitude of 6,000 meters for a range of 600 kilometers carrying a commercial load of 600 kilograms under takeoff conditions at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
The AC332's rotor system has been improved to ensure greater efficiency in plateau operations, Li Shengwei, chief designer of the AC332, told the Global Times on Friday. "Today's first flight showed the chopper's outstanding handling and maneuverability. It also has good comfort, low flight vibration and low noise," Li said.
When the AC332 made its first flight, the AVIC also signed purchase agreements and letters of intent for 24 helicopters of this type with its first customers.
The AC332 is expected to hold more test flights before receiving a type certificate by 2025.