The Z-15 multi-purpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains a qualified type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of the Air Force Industry Corporation of China
The Z-15 multi-purpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains a qualified type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of the Air Force Industry Corporation of China
The 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 helicopter which is now eligible to enter the Chinese civilian market, announces the manufacturer of the helicopter.
Jointly developed by state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and France’s Airbus Helicopters, the Z-15 is the product of China’s first all-equal cooperation project with the West in aviation. high tech. It was built on equal footing on both sides, with the two companies investing and developing jointly, as well as sharing risks, profits and markets, the Global Times learned from AVIC on Tuesday.
The development of the Z-15 has explored a new path in international cooperation for helicopters for civilian use, as China has achieved several key technological breakthroughs in helicopter development, established a new management system for the development of medium-sized helicopters and filled a void that previously existed in the country’s emergency rescue aviation equipment, AVIC said.
The Z-15 multi-purpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains a qualified type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of the Air Force Industry Corporation of China
Equipped with the WZ-16 engine, jointly developed by the state-owned Aero Engine Corporation of China and the French company Safran Helicopter Engines, the Z-15 has a conventional aerodynamic configuration, is equipped with two engines and has a maximum take-off 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 level of safety, high reliability, large interior space, good level of comfort, long range and excellent cost-effectiveness, AVIC said. . The helicopter can be used for tasks such as search and rescue, maritime drilling, personnel transport, medical assistance and commercial flying.
The Z-15 made its maiden flight in December 2016 in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province (northeast China). A variant for emergency rescue is reportedly under development.
The Z-15 multi-purpose helicopter, also known as the AC352, obtains a qualified type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on July 26, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of the Air Force Industry Corporation of China
