Avicopter AC352 makes its maiden flight in Harbin

The Avicopter AC352, a joint-project between China and France, is making its maiden flight on December 20, 2016 in Harbin, China's northernmost Heilongjiang province.

Previously known as the Eurocopter EC175 and the Avicopter Z-15, the 7-ton class medium utility helicopter was jointly developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter Group) and the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

　　[Photo: Weibo account of CCTV News]

The new medium-heavy twin-engine helicopter is China's first, and is one of the world's most advanced 7-ton class medium utility helicopters currently.

The engine was built in China, along with some other major components.

　　[Photo: Weibo account of CCTV News]

The Avicopter AC352 is built for civilian and para-public applications, with search and rescue missions and the oil and gas industry seen as major markets.

[Photo: Weibo account of CCTV News]