Harbin Aircraft has received five orders for the new Y-12F, a light twin-engined transport aircraft it hopes to start manufacturing by 2010.
The company said at the Zhuhai show that detailed design would be completed by July 2007, and the first flight tests would take place in the first quarter of 2008.
"Our research shows there will be demand for over 360 aircraft like the Y-12F by 2020," it added.
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| This article is part of a full report into Airshow China 2006. For more news stories from the Zhuhai show, click here |
The aircraft is being marketed to domestic regional carriers. Chinese general aviation operator Flying Dragon, as well as a general aviation company in Jilin province and a government agency, have ordered five aircraft in total.
The 7t Y-12F is a derivative of the 5t Y-12E, which can carry up to 19 passengers. The company signed an agreement with Hamilton Sundstrand in Zhuhai for environmental control systems for the Y-12F, which is likely to be powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada engine.
Source: Flight International
