China’s Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) released a new animated promotional video regarding various aurcraft of the company. Among others,  the company showcased the Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL) , an helicopter being co-developed by Russian Helicopters and AVIC.

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Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL) (Picture source: AVIC)

The Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL) helicopter is being co-developed by Russian Helicopters and AVIC.

The aircraft’s takeoff weight is expected to be 38.2 tons and its lifting capacity 10-15 tons. The machine will have a maximum speed of 300 km/h, a range of 630 km and a service ceiling of 5,700 m. Russia has offered China to jointly develop the PD-12V for the AHL helicopter, but according to Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Andrei Boginsky, "China can choose any engine it wants".

Heavy helicopter can usually be used to airlift heavy cargo and vehicles without the need of an airfield. For military use, a heavy helicopter can transport troops, armored vehicles, artillery and rockets. For civilian use, it can lift heavy engineering vehicles to sites where normal transportation routes could not reach in case of a natural disaster, military observers said.

Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL) (Picture source: AVIC)

A previous design of the AHL showcased at Zhuhai Air Show 2016 (Picture source: Air Recognition)