Chinese joint venture company Shanghai Sikorsky Aircraft (SSAC) has begun constructing a 3,000m2 (32,290ft2) assembly plant and aims to move into the new factory in September.
SSAC has been using the government-owned Gaodong Heliport to assemble Schweizer-produced helicopters since it began operations one year ago. The new factory will initially assemble Schweizer 300 pistons and Schweizer 333 turbines and manufacture helicopter components. SSAC plans to later apply for a production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China and has the capacity to double the size of its plant to support aircraft manufacturing.
SSAC has already applied for preferred parts supplier certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration. With this, Schweizer will be able to source parts from SSAC without re-inspecting them. SSAC is bidding to initially supply aluminium sheet metal air duct assemblies for the Schweizer 300.
The new plant near Shanghai is designed to assemble up to 24 helicopters a year. SSAC so far has sold nine helicopters, including two 300Cs that will be delivered next month to Pianjin Aviation University.
Source: Flight International
