AVICopter AC312

History

Like Pakistan, China is the main user of the locally produced Harbin "Z-9" medium multi-role military helicopter. The Z-9 is based on the French Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) AS365 "Dove", licensed from Harbin and produced under a modified name. AVIC Helicopters, realizing the market potential of its Z-9 civilian version, launched the AC312 in 2015 and reported its maiden flight on August 18, 2016.

The helicopter is intended for use in the general transport, search and rescue (SAR) and medical transport industries.

Externally, the AC312 retains much of the form and function of the previous Z-9 and AC365. A short nose cone is located forward of the two-seat cockpit, and a passenger cabin is mounted amidships. The engine nacelle is located above the nacelle and drives the four-bladed composite main rotor blades. The tailstock tapers to a Fenestron tail rotor unit (the rotor is covered on all sides and embedded in the tail to reduce noise).

The vertical plane is located on a ledge along the tailstock towards the rear of the helicopter. The landing gear is fully retractable and consists of two single-wheel main legs and a two-wheel front leg.

Internally, the AC312 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E series turboshaft engines, each with an estimated power of 1,000 hp. Performance specs include a top speed of nearly 200 mph, a range of up to 515 miles and a service ceiling of nearly 20,000 feet. The avionics retrofit came from US supplier Rockwell Collins.

Dimensions result in a length of 12 meters, a width (including rotor diameter) of 12 meters, and a height of 4 meters.

The AC312 could enter service as early as 2017.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes