Sino-Russia co-engineered heavy helicopter debut in China

A heavy-lift helicopter jointly developed by China and Russia made its debut in China on Wednesday.

On display at the Tianjin International Helicopter Exhibition, the chopper is specially designed to suit China's geographical conditions, and can operate smoothly at high altitudes and temperatures, said Huang Chuanyue, deputy chief engineer with the helicopter division of the Aviation Industry Corp. of China.

With a maximum cruising speed of 300 km/h, and the ability to take-off carrying 38.2 tonnes, it can carry excavators, cargo containers and light tactical vehicles, Huang told Xinhua.

China and Russia on May 8 signed a framework agreement agreeing to take the project to the next stage, which specified that all future models will be manufactured in China, Huang said.

These heavy-duty helicopters will be used in rescue and disaster missions, as well as maritime affairs, Huang said.