China's twin-engine civil helicopter AC332 completes plateau flight tests

(ECNS) -- AC332, China’s self-developed twin-engine civil helicopter, has completed all plateau testing at Ninglang Luguhu Airport in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

 The AC332 helicopter conducts the plateau flight tests at Ninglang Luguhu Airport in southwest China’s Yunnan Province (Courtesy of the administration committee of Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone)

Thirty-eight tests were conducted during the latest flights, totaling 27 hours and 38 minutes. The tests covered hovering, takeoff and landing, low-altitude flight and overspeed control, among others.

It aims to verify the AC332 helicopter's performance and safety in high-altitude environments and ensure it can efficiently carry out a range of tasks, including personnel and cargo transport, search and rescue, and medical aid, meeting the transportation needs of high-altitude airports.

In August 2024, the 4-metric-ton multipurpose helicopter completed high-temperature test flights, demonstrating its reliability in extreme heat.

Assembled and manufactured by the AVIC Tianjin Helicopter Co., Ltd., the helicopter made its maiden full-state flight in April 2023.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,850 kilograms, it can carry up to 10 passengers, take off at an altitude of 4,500 meters, and reach a ceiling of 6,000 meters.