China's civil AC312E helicopter, which made its maiden flight in July 2016, on Tuesday completed all plateau test flights, according to its developer, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
AC312E, a light twin-engine civilian helicopter, completed plateau testing at Ninglang Luguhu Airport, a commercial airport at an altitude of 3,293 meters in southwest China's Yunnan Province.
Installed with Arriel 2H heli-engines, the AC312E has now completed all requirements for high-altitude helicopters, according to AVIC Hafei.
"AC312E has shown reliability and good performance on all types of plateau environments. It can now meet demand for emergency rescue and earthquake relief helicopters in plateau regions," said Li Shengwei, deputy chief designer of the AC312E.
The maximum take-off weight of the AC312E is 4.25 tonnes, with a maximum payload of 1.7 tonnes. It can carry nine passengers.
New avionics and flight control systems contribute to a more friendly human-machine interaction for pilots.
The aircraft has reached 6,300 meters above sea level. It has a range of 500 kilometers with a 500 kilogram payload cruising at an altitude of 5,000. The AC312E series may be eventually include four specialist models for emergency medical services, search and rescue, business transport and law enforcement.
In September 2016, AC312E received its first order from the Ministry of Land and Resources China geological Survey. This September, Tibet Development and Investment Group signed an intention agreement to buy four AC312E for the Tibet emergency rescue network.
AVIC is among the world's leading helicopter manufacturers with more than 50 models in 12 series and annual production of more than 300 aircraft.
