China’s domestically produced AC313A large civil helicopter has successfully completed its initial round of cold weather flight tests, marking a significant milestone in its development. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country’s leading aircraft manufacturer, announced that the AC313A recently underwent its first cold weather flight tests at an airport located in Mohe, the northernmost city in China.
During the comprehensive cold weather flight tests, the helicopter underwent rigorous evaluations to assess the performance of its main systems and engines under various flight maneuvers such as hovering, climbing, and level flight, specifically in cold environments. Developed by AVIC, the AC313A is a large, multi-purpose civil helicopter in the 13-ton class, featuring a single main propeller and tail propeller configuration.
Designed to meet diverse operational needs, the AC313A is particularly tailored for emergency air rescue missions across different terrains and weather conditions. Following the successful completion of cold weather flight tests, AVIC plans to deploy two AC313A helicopters to conduct thorough airworthiness certification studies for the new model, thereby laying the groundwork for future commercial operations.