The Chinese helicopter industry is moving forward with new products and partnerships, despite slow progress on some major programs.
At last month’s Zhuhai airshow, Avicopter (part of the Avic group) exhibited a new helicopter (in fact, probably a full-size mockup), the AC3X2 light twin. It is intended for EMS, law enforcement and offshore oil-and-gas operations. The aircraft is understood to be at the detail design stage.
The manufacturer is considering applying for FAA certification. On the global market, it believes the AC3X2 may have a competitive edge in price. The intellectual property behind the helicopter is “entirely domestic,” a company representative noted.
Meanwhile, Thales and Shanghai Avionics (Savic, part of the Avic group) announced the signature of a memorandum of understanding to provide “joint solutions to the Chinese helicopter market.” Thales will bring its latest certified avionics know-how, while Savic will bring local expertise in systems integration, software development and customer support, the two companies said.
Savic expects its experience in software customization will allow for adaptation of Thales’ TopDeck suite. The companies see two applications for the avionics: new Chinese helicopters and upgrades of existing ones. “Thanks to the partnership with Thales, Savic can bring to Chinese customers comprehensive certified avionics, tailored to their requirements, at affordable price,” said Savic president Jinyan Wang. Savic supplies the avionics for the AC313 heavy twin.
Despite success with the Chinese certification of the AC311 single in 2012, the Chinese helicopter industry continues to struggle with some Western partnerships. An Airbus Helicopters official recently attributed part of the EC175’s delay to problems with Avicopter, which has a 50-percent stake in the program. Avic Engine’s cooperation with Turbomeca on the Ardiden 3C/WZ16 for the AC352 (the Chinese counterpart of the EC175) is also taking longer than expected despite the French firm’s assistance to Avic Engine in the design of the two components its local partner is responsible for.
