BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-developed AC312E light civilian helicopter has passed its stability flight test, a key performance test for helicopters, its developer announced Thursday.

The model has undertaken multiple flight tests totalling 18 hours, including those for stability and cooling of its propulsion system, at a civil airport in Jiamusi, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, according to Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

It represents a major step for AC312E on its validation flight test journey as a new helicopter model, the AVIC said.

The AC312E, a light twin-engine helicopter, is being developed by AVIC Hafei in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang.

The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 4.25 tonnes, with a maximum payload of 1.7 tonnes. It can carry nine passengers.

The AC312E series may be extended to include four specialist models for emergency medical services, search and rescue, business transport, and law enforcement, according to its developer.

AVIC is among the world's leading helicopter manufacturers with more than 50 models in 12 series and annual production of more than 300 aircraft.