China is expected to manufacture advanced EC120 helicopters in the near future, said a high ranking official with the Hafei Aviation Industry Co., ltd. Tuesday.

"It has been approved in principle to let us build a new assembly line to manufacture EC120 helicopter outside France," said Qu Jingwen, general manager of the company.   

Qu said the company was discussing with Euro Copter and the China Aviation Technology Import and Export Corporation the detailed technology and the procedure of obtaining airworthiness licenses. A written agreement is expected to be signed by the end of this year and the first aircraft is expected to roll off line by the end of 2004.

The EC120 is a five-seat light helicopter. It was designed jointly by Euro Copter, China Aviation Technology Import and Export Corporation, Harbin Aviation Industry Co. ltd and Singapore Technology Airspace Industry Corporation, in 1990.

Making a successful maiden flight in 1995, the aircraft has obtained licenses in more than 30 countries and regions. Beside being used as common passenger and cargo aircraft, the EC120 can be used for rescue, training, patrol and other missions.

The aim of building the assembly line is to cater to the demand of the Chinese market. In the next 10 years, China is expected to need at least 100 such aircraft, according to Qu.

With a design capability to produce 30 aircraft annually, the assembly line will need total investment of 20 million yuan (US$2.4 million) 

So far, some 400 EC120 have been sold in 38 countries and regions.

(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2003)