By Star Chang, posted Sep 19, 2011 at 9:45 AM, 742 views,

China Unveils Its First Ultra-light Civil Helicopter (Video)

The first ultra-light civil helicopter manufactured in China made its debut last week at the first China Helicopter Exposition, which took place in the northern port city of Tianjin. The one-ton AC310 helicopter, equipped with a fuel-efficient engine and flexible rotor system, can carry up to three passengers and cruise at a top speed of 159 kilometers per hour. The aircraft can be deployed for emergency rescue, environmental monitoring, flight training, and private use. Aimed at China’s expanding private aircraft market, the ultra-light helicopter is designed primarily for helicopter enthusiasts …

The first ultra-light civil helicopter was developed and manufactured by Aviation Industry Corporation of China, a Chinese state-owned company of aviation industry, both military and civilian. The helicopter is priced at 3.5 million yuan (US$541,100), affordable to China’s rich and flying clubs. The AC310 made its maiden flight in late August and is expected to be licensed for flight by the Chinese civil aviation authorities next May. China will adjust airspace regulations and relax controls on low-altitude airspace nationwide by 2015. The move is predicted to spur demand for general aviation aircraft, including helicopters. The helicopter market for China is predicted to boom following changes to the country’s regulations. So civil helicopter will soon become in-demand luxury items sought after by China’s nouveau riche !

Source: xinhuanet, WantChinaTimes, ifeng