THE first light civilian helicopter developed and manufactured in China successfully completed its maiden flight in Tianjin yesterday.

The two-ton AC311 helicopter, developed and manufactured by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, has a seating capacity of six and can be used for flight training, policing, communications command, aerial photography, medical aid, power line patrol, forest fire prevention and pest control.

The aircraft was equipped with a fuel-efficient engine, a durable and flexible composite rotor system, and a highly integrated avionics system, said Wang Bin, general manager of Avicopter Corporation Limited.

Avicopter Corporation Limited is a joint venture between AVIC and the Tianjin municipal government.