A new-generation, medium-sized helicopter developed jointly by China and France 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.

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.