Collins Aerospace will supply seven additional shipsets to the Chinese Harbin Aircraft Industries Corporation’s (HAIG) AC312 series helicopter fleet.
The American firm’s delivery of its latest helicopter cockpit display system, communication, navigation, and surveillance equipment is expected to bolster the aircraft’s situational awareness and safety.
“This contract is testament of our capability to provide HAIG with solutions to meet their requirements of safety, reliability and efficiency now and for the long term,” Collins’ Avionics Managing Director Grace Du said.
“Together with our worldwide [maintenance, repair, and overhaul] network, Collins is well positioned to support the delivery and operation of HAIG’s civil helicopter fleet in China and beyond.”
The November 8 agreement is an extension of a long-term agreement between the two companies for 100 shipsets inked in 2015.
‘Dual-Engine, Light Helicopter’
The 13.72-meter (45 feet) AC312 is a dual-engine light helicopter equipped with high-power and low fuel consumption ARRIEL 2H engines.
The aircraft is developed by HAIG, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
“This model has the advantages and competitiveness of strong engine power, advanced avionics system, reasonable cockpit layout, and rapid configuration conversion,” AVIC said.
“It not only has good high-temperature plateau performance, but also has excellent plain flight performance, which can meet the needs of general and official (VIP) transportation, emergency medical rescue, search and rescue, and official duties.”
The Chinese aircraft has a maximum speed of 240 kilometers (149 miles) per hour with a nearly four-hour flight endurance without additional fuel tanks.
