Airbus delivers Chinese market's first H215 heavy helicopter

China's State Grid General Aviation Company has received the first H215 helicopter in the Chinese market from Airbus to conduct utility grid missions, according to Airbus China Monday.

An Airbus H215 helicopter [File photo: IC]

As the launch customer of H215 in China, State Grid General Aviation Company will use this heavy twin-engine helicopter to conduct utility grid missions in hard-to-reach regions, Airbus China said.

The State Grid General Aviation Company is a subsidiary under the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), a major utility company which is responsible for the aerial construction and maintenance work of China's network of high and very high voltage power lines.

To date, it operates a fleet of 15 Airbus helicopters. The newly delivered H215 helicopter enables the company to develop capabilities in new utility missions.

The H215 helicopter is installed with 17 seats and oxygen jackets which enable it to carry workers to conduct missions at high altitudes.

It is equipped with a 4.5-tonne cargo sling, hoists, weather radar and a wire-strike protection system which are used in operations such as cable repair, cable laying, cargo transport and power line pylons construction.

The H215 is a member of Airbus Helicopters' Super Puma helicopter family. The introduction of this H215 has increased China's Super Puma fleet to nearly 40, according to Airbus China.

To date, there are around 300 Airbus helicopters serving in the Chinese market.