The triple-engined 13.8t AC313 is a development of the Harbin Z-8 military helicopter, itself a 1980s derivative of the Aerospatiale SA321 Super Frelon that was first flown in 1962.

The AC313, which can carry 27 passengers and has a maximum range of 900 kilometres, fills a gap in China's helicopter product line-up, says Avicopter.

It can be used for transport, cargo, search and rescue, fire-fighting, offshore exploration and medical evacuation missions, it adds.

After the first flight, AVIC I International Leasing signed a contract to purchase five AC313s. Flying Dragon Special Aviation then inked a deal to lease the helicopters and be the launch operator.

Avicopter plans to apply for certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China next year, and is hopeful of applying for EASA and FAA certification after that, says an Avicopter official.

China has also been in discussions with Russian Helicopters about developing a 20t heavy-lift helicopter.

Zhang Hongbiao, director of the AVIC's science and technology committee and former president of AVIC II, did several media interviews this month announcing that Avicopter wants to build a heavy-lift helicopter.

His remarks coincided with the annual sitting of China's parliament in Beijing, a time when many political figures lobby to get national support for projects.