The Z-15 multipurpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains certificate of qualified type from Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Aviation Industry Corporation of China
The Z-15 multipurpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains certificate of qualified type from Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Aviation Industry Corporation of China
Civil Aviation Administration of China on Tuesday awarded a qualification certificate to the Z-15, a medium-sized, multipurpose helicopter also known as the AC352, marking the successful development of this type of chopper which is now eligible to enter China's civilian market, the helicopter's maker announced.
Jointly developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the France-based Airbus Helicopters, the Z-15 is the product of China's first completely equal cooperation project with the West in the field of hi-tech aviation. It was built with equal footing on both sides, with the two companies jointly investing and developing, as well as sharing risks, profits and markets, the Global Times learned from AVIC on Tuesday.
The development of the Z-15 explored a new path in the international cooperation for civilian-use helicopter, as China obtained several key technological breakthroughs in helicopter development, established a new management system for the development of medium-sized helicopters, and filled in a vacuum that previously existed in the country's emergency rescue aviation equipment, AVIC said.
The Z-15 multipurpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains certificate of qualified type from Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Aviation Industry Corporation of China
Equipped with the WZ-16 engine, which is jointly developed by the state-owned Aero Engine Corporation of China and French company Safran Helicopter Engines, the Z-15 has a conventional aerodynamic configuration, is equipped with two engines, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 7.5 tons and a maximum range of 850 kilometers.
Capable of carrying 16 passengers, the Z-15 helicopter is characterized by its high safety standard, high reliability, large internal space, good level of comfort, long range and its outstanding cost-effectiveness, AVIC said. The chopper can be used for tasks including search and rescue, maritime drilling, personnel transport, medical assistance and commercial flight.
The Z-15 made its maiden flight in December 2016 in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. A variant for emergency rescue is reportedly under development.
The Z-15 multipurpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains certificate of qualified type from Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Aviation Industry Corporation of China
