Researchers plan advanced medium utility aircraft that could rival Agusta/Bell AB139
China has launched a project to develop a 6,000kg (13,200lb) civil helicopter that may compete against the new Agusta/Bell AB139.
The China Helicopter Research and Design Institute (CHRDI) is designing the advanced medium utility helicopter and it displayed a model of the aircraft for the first time last week at the Zhuhai air show.
The director of CHRDI's international co-operation department, Huan Lan, says so far the helicopter is based entirely on indigenous Chinese technologies, although it resembles the AB139. Huan says CHRDI is considering proposals from several Western and Chinese engine manufacturers and will later consider partnering a Western helicopter manufacturer to help develop core parts.
"If necessary we will be looking for a foreign partner to develop the helicopter, provided both sides are willing and there is a co-operative agreement," Huan says.
Western manufacturers expect China will need help developing the rotor blades, gearbox and drive system and believe Eurocopter may have already provided some technology. But Huan says CHRDI has not yet decided which parts, if any, will be developed jointly with Western manufacturers.
AgustaWestland chief executive Amedeo Caporaletti says Agusta is open to co-operating on the project despite the similarities with the AB139. "The 139 is a unique helicopter. Nobody can reverse engineer such a helicopter," he says, adding that to develop an aircraft like the AB139 would take eight to nine years.
Huan says the helicopter will fly in three to four years. CHRDI parent China Aviation Industries II has not yet formally decided which of its factories will manufacture the new helicopter, but it is expected to be Harbin. Sales will be targeted at operators in the transport, offshore oil, medical evacuation, maritime patrol and search and rescue sectors. The advanced medium utility helicopter would be China's fourth indigenous civilian helicopter following the 2,000kg Z-11, 4,000kg Z-9 and 13,000kg Z-8.
BRENDAN SOBIE / ZHUHAI
Source: Flight International
