China to expand its helicopter manufacturing industry

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 ◆ China to expand its helicopter manufacturing industry

China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II), a major helicopter producer and research institute, will intensify research and strengthen international cooperation over the next ten years in order to promote the country's helicopter manufacturing industry, a senior executive said recently.

"China has the capability to produce and to conduct research on helicopters. In addition, China has huge market potential and strong economic performance. We are very optimistic about the future of helicopters," said Chi Yaozong, deputy general manager of AVIC II.

In 10 to 15 years, China will conduct research on and produce two-ton, four-ton, six-ton, ten-ton and thirteen-ton helicopters, to enhance its competitive edge in the international market and enlarge production capability.

The EC120 light helicopter, jointly developed by China, France and Singapore, will have 40 percent of its production based in China.

It is learned that the annual production of this helicopter in China will be expanded to 150 starting from this year.