Chinese firm teams up with Sikorsky to build light helicopter

The Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation is likely to jointly develop a new one-tonne class light helicopter with Sikorsky Aircraft. The company, based in East China's Jiangxi Province, will also supply airframe components for Sikorsky's S-76C++ and perform final assembly of some of the airframes.

The agreement will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, Changhe will carry out sub-assembly and partial final assembly with procured kits and components. The second phase, starting from 2009, will include component manufacturing. The subcontract volume is valued at about $50 to $60 million every year.