AC301 Light Civil Helicopter

The RAND Corporation reports that "The Avicopter AC301A is a two-ton, single-engine helicopter derived from the Changhe Z-11, with structural optimizations, an indigenous rotor system, an improved engine, and modernized avionics." There seems to be some confusion between the AC311, which is widely attested, and an "AC301" which is poorly attested. The 2011 RAND report "Ready for Takeoff China's Advancing Aerospace Industry" makes no mention of the AC311, which other sources describe in terms very similar to RAND's description of the "AC301".

There also seems to be some confusion between the AC310, which is widely attested, and an "AC301" which is poorly attested. It is reported that "On the civil aircraft final assembly schedule publicized by Avicopter Tianjin Base, AC310 is preceded by AC301 and AC311, of which AC301's final assembly has been commenced and the first product been delivered, meanwhile, AC311 has its R&D completed, first flight performed and the sales order is now opening to the public."

Examination of the few photographs that are publicly available associated with these designations makes it clear that they are in fact the same airframe, serial number B-1090L. It as locally reported that by early 2011 an engine was assembled for the first helicopter in Air China Industry Base in Tianjin Airport Economic Zone. The installation of the engine meant that installation of large components was completed for the first AC 301 helicopter and small components began to be installed. It was expected to complete assembly of the first helicopter in the middle of April 2011. It was planned to assemble 10 helicopters in the base in Tianjin Airport Economic Zone in 2011. By early 2011 two AC 301 helicopters were finally being assembled in Air China Industry Base in Tianjin Airport Economic Zone. After completion of engine assembly, an operating system, an electric system, and a fuel system will be successively installed by workers.