Airshow - AVIC Secures Orders for 13 AC311As at China Helicopter Expo

AVIC announced it secured orders for 13 AC311A helicopters from three launch customers on the opening day of the China Helicopter Exposition 2015 held in Tianjin.

AVIC Helicopter Co. promoted its AC311A -- the latest version of the AC311 helicopter -- at a press conference on Wednesday. The AC311A is a light utility helicopter jointly developed by AVIC Helicopter and Changhe Aircraft Industry Group.

AVIC Changhe Aircraft signed 13 orders for the AC311A after the press conference, including 2 from Qinghai Flying Dragon General Aviation, three from Xihua General Aviation and 8 from Jiangxi Kunpeng General Aviation.

The AC311A is a single engine light utility helicopter which can accommodate 6 persons. It is developed on the basis of the AC311, nicknamed "Air Wizard". The AC311A helicopter improved its maximum takeoff weight to 2,250kg, as well as high-altitude performance and over-all properties. It was designed for a variety of uses, including business flight, transportation, aerial photography, search and rescue, fire-fighting and others.

The AC311A made its maiden flight on August 14, 2014. It is scheduled to be delivered for operation in early 2016.