About AVIC Helicopters & Fuel Consumption
AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) develops a wide range of helicopters for civilian and military use. Popular models include the Z-9 Haitun, AC313 heavy-lift helicopter, AC311 light utility helicopter, and the AC352 (developed jointly with Airbus). Their fuel consumption depends on several factors:
- Model & Engine Size: Larger helicopters such as the AC313 consume more fuel than light utility helicopters like the AC311.
- Payload & Passenger Load: Greater payload increases fuel burn rate.
- Flight Profile: Hovering and maneuvers require more fuel than cruise.
- Weather & Altitude: Hot climates and high-altitude flying reduce efficiency.
- Fuel Type: AVIC helicopters mainly use Jet-A or Jet-A1 fuel, though some can use Avgas or biofuels.
Calculation Formulas:
- Fuel Used = Burn Rate (liters/hour) × Flight Hours
- Total Cost = Fuel Used × Fuel Price
- CO₂ Emissions = Fuel Used × Emission Factor (kg CO₂ per liter)
Example:
An AVIC Z-9 Haitun with a burn rate of 500 L/hr flying for 3 hours using Jet-A fuel at ₹88/liter:
- Fuel Used = 500 × 3 = 1500 liters
- Total Cost = 1500 × 88 = ₹132,000
- CO₂ Emissions = 1500 × 2.50 = 3750 kg CO₂
