The Avicopter AC313, China's only domestically made helicopter certified to fly in high-altitude regions over 4,500 meters above sea level, looks set to join the Army Aviation Corps of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF).

Two test pilots from the aviation corps recently completed the last tests involving the AC313, which is officially billed as a civilian helicopter. Both pilots completed the onboard test flight and airworthiness verification of the AC313, which is the largest helicopter ever developed in China.

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The test results show that under heavy rain, the AC313 was able to fly safely with all systems and equipment operating flawlessly.

In order to ensure safety, a test flight team from the Army Aviation Corps made careful preparations and formulated a contingency plan. The helicopter conducted a non-stop one and a half hour flight in the rain, and the entire test flight went smoothly.

The involvement of the PLAGF in the certification tests of this "civilian" helicopter has triggered speculation the PLAGF is on the way towards acquiring the helicopter. In service with the PLAGF, the AC313 will be particularly useful in the Tibetan Plateau whose average elevation exceeds 4,500 meters.

The AC313 completed two tests flights over the Tibetan Plateau in 2010 and 2011.

The PLAGF is currently building-up its forces in the plateau whose western border abuts the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The AC313 can carry 27 civilian passengers and a slightly smaller number of Chinese soldiers.

It has a maximum range of 900 kilometers and a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 metric tons.

"The results were positive. The helicopter's airborne systems and equipment worked normally and the pilot had a clear view," said a statement from Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Company, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China that developed and manufactured the helicopter.

"The helicopter has now met all criteria for airworthiness." 

TagsAvicopter AC313, Army Aviation Corps, People's Liberation Army Ground Force, Tibetan Plateau, Aviation Industry Corporation of China