Z-12 medium military transport helicopter
The Chinese helicopter industry developing a 5/6-ton class helicopter for a range of military and civil requirements. The program aims to develop a family of helicopters with a single propulsion system, with a choice of turboshaft engines for different models and mission. The three potential products include a 5,500 kg medium military transport helicopter, a 6,000 kg attack helicopter, and a 5,000~6,000 kg commercial transport helicopter.
In May 1997 China signed a $70~80 million contract with Eurocopter France to develop a rotor system, and in March 1999, Agusta announced it has also signed $30 million contract to develop the transmission system. The first flight of the new generation Chinese helicopter is expected to take place between 2005 and 2007.
