Avicopter (AVIC Helicopter Company)
AC313 Fire Attack Helicopter
First flight: March 18, 2010 Service introduction: December 5, 2013
Modified Z-8 derived from Aérospatiale SA.321 Super Frelon
The Avicopter AC313 is medium weight class civilian helicopter. It is a derivative development of the Chinese Harbin Z-8, which is a licensed built version of the French Navy Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon helicopter. The AC313 is the largest helicopter ever developed in China.
The AC313 or AVIC Z-8F-100 is powered with three 1,476 SHP MCP Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-67A engines. The prototype first flew at Jingdezhen, Jiangxi on March 18, 2010. It is designed to carry 18–27 passengers, has a reported maximum range of 486 nm (900 km) and a maximum takeoff weight of 27,600 lb (13.8 t). Although the helicopter is based on a 1960s design, the AC313 is equipped with a titanium main rotor hub, low maintenance elastomeric bearings, and composite blades. The usage of composite material covers 50% of the helicopter construction. The AC313 has a cabin height of 6 ft (1.83 m) and 830 ft cu ft (23.5 cu m) space. It has been designed to be used for VIP transport, medical evacuations, search and rescue, and firefighting operations. In terms of cargo, it can carry up to 8,000 lb (4 t) internally or 10,000 lb (5 t) on a sling. AC313 deploys the Simplex Aerospace Model 380A fire attack aerial firefighting system and a water bucket to combat the forestry fire.
The AC313 became the first China-made aircraft authorized by China's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAC) in January to fly in high-altitude regions of over 14,750 ft (4,500 m) above sea level.
Photo: chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com
Text: Jacques Virasak
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