The AC332, a domestically produced helicopter, has recently completed a high-temperature test flight, marking a significant milestone in China’s aviation industry. The helicopter, known by its code name Jiayang Bird, successfully completed 19 flights, totaling 12 hours and 6 minutes, at Shaanxi Pucheng Neifu Airport.
The test flight was designed to validate the performance of the AC332’s powerplant, lubrication system, generator, ventilation system, and hydraulic system in high-temperature environments. During the flight, the helicopter underwent various test subjects, including EECU temperature measurement, engine cooling, lubrication system cooling, generator cooling, hydraulic system, and high-temperature ventilation.
The primary objective of this high-temperature test flight was to ensure the AC332 helicopter’s performance and safety in extreme heat conditions, enabling it to execute tasks efficiently and safely under such conditions. This will allow the helicopter to adapt to a wider range of environmental conditions, meet diverse user needs, and enhance market competitiveness.
Developed based on the concept of demand-side innovation, the AC332 helicopter meets the latest CCAR-29 airworthiness requirements. It features a single rotor, high-set shrouded tail rotor, skid landing gear, and a clamshell-style rear cabin door layout. The helicopter can carry up to 10 passengers and has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,850 kilograms. Its maximum cruising speed is 260 kilometers per hour, and its maximum range is 693 kilometers.
In conditions with an altitude of 4,500 meters, standard atmospheric pressure (ISA) +25°C, the AC332 helicopter can achieve a flight altitude of 6,000 meters, a range of 600 kilometers, and a payload of 600 kilograms, meeting the three 6 goal.
The AC332 helicopter is suitable for a wide range of applications, including emergency medical evacuation, emergency rescue, law enforcement, high-altitude operations, and marine operations. It can efficiently complete various tasks such as personnel and material transportation, search and rescue, and medical evacuation in high-altitude areas.
The helicopter is known for its good economic performance in plain areas, user-friendly human-machine interface, high reliability and safety, comfortable handling and ride, quick conversion of mission configurations, and broad coverage of missions.
In 2019, the AC332 helicopter completed its detailed design review. In 2021, the aviation industry’s Tianzhi built the assembly and final assembly production line and put it into use. In 2022, the first aircraft was completed, and on April 7, 2023, the helicopter completed its first full-state flight in Tianjin Binhai New Area. It also signed 18 purchase agreements and six intention agreements with the first customer. On December 5 of the same year, it entered the airworthiness verification test phase.
On June 30 this year, the AC332 helicopter began its secondary high-altitude test flight at Liuzhou Yuzhou Airport. On July 31, it transferred to Pucheng for high-temperature testing. Currently, the helicopter is continuing its secondary high-altitude test flight at Liuzhou Yuzhou Airport, preparing for the smooth progress of subsequent airworthiness certification work.
The successful completion of the high-temperature test flight is a testament to the progress China has made in aviation technology and its commitment to producing high-quality, reliable, and safe helicopters. The AC332 helicopter is poised to play a significant role in various applications, contributing to the country’s growing aviation industry.
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