A new-generation, medium-sized helicopter developed jointly by China and France has made its debut. Its first flight took place Tuesday morning in China's northeastern city of Harbin. The AC-3-5-2 helicopter was developed by France's Airbus Helicopters and China's Avicopter. The two firms have a decade-long history of cooperation.

Previously known as the Eurocopter EC175 and the Avicopter Z-15, the 7-ton class medium utility helicopter was jointly developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter Group) and the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The AC-3-5-2 harnesses the world's most advanced technology. The debut is a milestone for China's helicopter industry. In March this year, Airbus Helicopters and China's Avicopter signed a joint agreement for the production of a thousand units of the new chopper and one other model.

Previously known as the Eurocopter EC175 and the Avicopter Z-15, the 7-ton class medium utility helicopter was jointly developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter Group) and the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

Previously known as the Eurocopter EC175 and the Avicopter Z-15, the 7-ton class medium utility helicopter was jointly developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter Group) and the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).