China tipped to widen civil aircraft products

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 ◆ China tipped to widen civil aircraft products

China will produce a bigger range of civil aircraft than ever before within the next few years, according to industry sources.

China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) will have 8 new types of civil aircraft to put on the market successively in the next 3 to 5 years, including helicopters, regional jets, general aircraft and training aircraft.

Helicopters currently being developed are the 2.2-ton Z-11 MB1,4.2-ton H425, 13-ton Z8F and 6-ton general purpose helicopter. Fixed wing aircraft currently being developed are the Y8F600, Y12F, advanced trainer and 50-seater turbofan regional jet, according to Liang Zhenhe, vice general manager of AVIC II.

He said the goal for AVIC II was to develop a better helicopter series within 10 to 15 years as well as boost competition nationwide into helicopter research and production, thus contributing to national defense and the economic growth of China.

In the past three years, AVIC II has gained six airworthiness certificates for civil aero-products such as the Y8F400 and Y12E aircraft, Z11, Z9A and H410 helicopters and WJ8A engine to enter the market, taking airworthiness standards for civil aircraft to new heights. It is also involved in international cooperative ventures including exports to Egypt.