AC332 Passes Cold WX Envelope Tests
The cold-weather trial included 10 flight sorties.
AVIC Harbin Aircraft Industry Group announced on February 21 that its AC332 helicopter completed a cold weather envelope expansion test flight at Genhe Airport.
The tests verified the aircraft’s performance in extremely low temperatures and supported preparations for type certification.
According to the manufacturer, the cold-weather trial included 10 flight sorties totaling 11 hours and 24 minutes, along with four ground test sorties lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The helicopter underwent 16 test items covering training mode parameter adjustment, Category B takeoff, handling characteristics and stability, and evaluations of the environmental control and hydraulic systems in subzero conditions.
AVIC stated the objective was to assess system reliability and safety in extreme cold, ensuring operational capability for missions such as material transport, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
The latest tests expanded the helicopter’s operational envelope to −40 °C (−40 °F).
The AC332 previously completed plateau flight tests at Ninglang Luguhu Airport in January 2025, conducting 38 tests over 27 hours and 38 minutes.
The trials examined hovering, takeoff and landing, low-altitude flight, and overspeed control to validate high-altitude performance.
Applicant verification test flights followed in December 2025 at Jiansanjiang, advancing the certification process.
The AC332 is a twin-engine civil helicopter developed in China and assembled by AVIC Tianjin Helicopter Co., Ltd. in the Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone. It made its maiden full-state flight in April 2023 and has since undergone a series of performance evaluations.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,850 kilograms (8,488 pounds), the helicopter can carry up to 10 passengers and operate at altitudes up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet), allowing for missions in high-altitude and remote regions.