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Posted

Changzhou Zhonglian Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. has produced a two seat light helicopter with twin piston engines that is sold in kit form. There is no information available on it other than their own website, which naturally is a promotional type rather than a history and development discussion as found in Wikipedia. There are, however, a lot of very short Youtube and TikTok videos showing it thrown around like the cattle wranglers in the NT fly their R22's. They claim the twin engines provide a safety backup in the event of an engine failure. The website quotes a price of $160,000 down from $180,000. I assume that's US$, so the reduced price equates to A$231.000.

 

They compare themselves to Robinson helicopters in the support area, saying factory spare parts are readily available and can be supplied quickly, whereas you may need to buy secondhand parts, or parts recovered from damaged Robinsons, which could result in long delays. Their claims, not mine.

 

The aircraft is a Zhonglian F27.

 

  ZhonglianF-2704.thumb.jpg.1815cbfca2c2c5f621e89aef5f7659fa.jpgZhonglianF-2705.thumb.jpg.f622173028d92a2554ed4ad0295c4b0e.jpgZhonglianF-2706.thumb.jpg.ad7887898ce954beb36f3fb2ad604fd4.jpgZhonglianF-2707.thumb.jpg.97e6a919d1511818f933ea5c812a0a5e.jpg

 

 

 

The title on this video quotes a price of US$230,000.

 

Websites

 

https://www.zhonglianaviation.com/product/experimental-helicopter-kits-for-sale/the-zhonglian-f27-helicopter-is-a-home-built-aircraft-ultimate-faq-guide-–-kits-certification/

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted

It's a copy of the Ukrainian-produced Aerokopter AK1-3 helicopter - which used a Subaru EJ25 engine.

 

It appears the Chinese think using two dubious Chinese engines is a better idea than using a dubious Japanese car engine, known for reliability problems.

 

At the end of the day, it still only has "experimental" certification in China. We know nothing of the Chinese requirements, rules and procedures, for experimental aircraft certification.

I would imagine they're somewhat looser than Western countries certification requirements. I would consider this design on a par with the OceanGate Titan submersible for durability, so I think I'll give it a miss

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Posted (edited)
4 hours ago, onetrack said:

It's a copy of the Ukrainian-produced Aerokopter AK1-3 helicopter - which used a Subaru EJ25 engine.

 

It appears the Chinese think using two dubious Chinese engines is a better idea than using a dubious Japanese car engine, known for reliability problems.

 

At the end of the day, it still only has "experimental" certification in China. We know nothing of the Chinese requirements, rules and procedures, for experimental aircraft certification.

I would imagine they're somewhat looser than Western countries certification requirements. I would consider this design on a par with the OceanGate Titan submersible for durability, so I think I'll give it a miss

you don't have a clue what its like.  if its built for use in china it might be top quality.  my father said when he lived in china most stuff was good quality. they must send all the crap to us.       as jimmy would say. what could possibly go wrong.😁

Edited by BrendAn
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Posted (edited)

Some Australian outlets for Chinese products MAY Choose to get a cheaper version. They will make what you want (as long as you keep a good eye on them). Their factories go for Miles. Chrysler/Jeep are no different .Some Indian stuff is real bad. Nev

Edited by facthunter
typo
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