Airshow China: AVIC unveils AC3X2
11th November 2014 - 9:00 by Gordon Arthur in Zhuhai, China
Airshow China: AVIC unveils AC3X2
AVIC Helicopter has unveiled a mock-up of its light twin-engine AC3X2 civil helicopter at Airshow China on 10 November.
The AC3X2 will aim for sales in the domestic and international 3-ton-class civilian helicopter market, and is the result of 60 years of industrial accumulation and expanding knowledge base of AVIC Helicopter.
Hong Jiao, president of the AVIC China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, said the unusual ‘AC3X2’ designation suggested ‘everything is possible’ with the new platform, as it represents a brand new family. He speculated the helicopter’s final designation might be AC332 or AC372.
AVIC highlights its characteristics such as a large cabin capable of accommodating ten including the pilot, comfortable seating, high reliability, low cost and excellent high-altitude performance.
AVIC developed the type in cooperation with AgustaWestland and Turbomeca. Anticipated roles for the AC3X2 include transportation, emergency medical care, law enforcement, and search and rescue.
Based on a general basic model, the AC3X2 helicopter allows clients to customize their craft to meet their various needs. Hong thought the maiden flight of the AC3X2 might occur in 2018.
