China's MA600 to make international debut
Updated: 2011-11-10 17:18
By Hou Lei (chinadaily.com.cn)
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The MA600 turboprop airliner is seen at Kunming airport before flying to Dubai to attend the Dubai Airshow 2011, Kunming city, Yunan province, Nov 7, 2011. [Photo/Yunnan.cn] |
China-made turboprop airliner Modern Ark 600 (MA600) will make its international debut during the upcoming Dubai Airshow, China News Service reported Wednesday.
The 60-seat plane arrived in Dubai on Nov 9 and will make 8-minute demonstration flights every day from Nov 13 to 17 during the air show.
The MA600, manufactured by Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), is an improved version of the MA60. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127J turboprops with an economical cruise speed of 430 kilometers per hour. The maximum fuel range of the plane is 2,600 kilometers, according to AVIC's official website.
"MA600 will fly with a new look during the air show and demonstrate its maneuverability," Chen Guanjun, head of AVIC's international business department, told China News Service.
The turboprop has gotten 16 orders, including two from the Laos government.
Chen said AVIC plans to show the models of L-15 training aircraft, Z-9 helicopter and SD10A air-to-air missile at its 200-square-meter exhibition booth, with an L-15 flight simulator for interacting with visitors, according to the report.
Another focus of the Dubai Airshow is the JF-17 fighter jet of Pakistan Air Force (PAF). An earlier Xinhua report confirmed that three of PAF's China-made JF-17s will participate in the air show.
The Dubai Airshow, which happens every two years, is believed to be the most influential air show in the Middle East.