China has extended its strategic partnership agreement with technology group Safran.

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) sealed an alliance with France-based Safran last year, and has now extended it to include engines and avionics.

The first memorandum of understanding provides for development of new-generation turboshaft engines for heavy helicopters to be marketed both in China and internationally. Turboprop derivatives for regional aircraft are also included.

Safran, which owns Turbomeca, has collaborated with AVIC on powerplant production for around 30 years, variously pursuing the Arriel 1, Arriel 2 and WZ16 projects.

The second, avionics-focused MoU spans helicopters as well as commercial and general aviation aircraft.

Again, Safran and AVIC have shared effort in this area since the 1980s, focusing particularly on autopilot technologies for the Z9 helicopter.

Source: Flight Daily News

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