China has unveiled an one-tonne helicopter at a helicopter expo in China, according to an official media report.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) AC310 helicopter was revealed at the China Helicopter Exposition that is being run in the Chinese city of Tianjin, said a report by China's official news agency, Xinhua.
Photographs that appeared on a Chinese website show a helicopter similar to the Schweizer 300C, itself an updated variant of the Hughes TH-55 Osage.
Xinhua quoted Wang Bin, the president of AVIC, as saying the aircraft can be used for training, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and private use.
AVIC said the AC310 has a "flexible rotor system, can carry two to three passengers and cruise at up to 159 kilometres per hour."
The aircraft conducted its maiden flight in August, and AVIC hopes to get Chinese type certification in May 2012, said Wang. It costs 3.5 million yuan ($541,100), which puts in the price range of wealthy Chinese and flying clubs.
Source: Flight International
