In July 1982 it was reported that the Harbin Aircraft Works had developed a turbine-powered version of the Y-11, with PT6A-110 turboprops. A prototype was reputed to have flown. With a gross weight of 12,125 lb / 5500 kg, the maximum payload is 3748 lb / 1700 kg, and the Y-11T is estimated to have a max speed of 175 mph / 282 kph and a max range of 876 miles / 1410 km.
Developed from the earlier piston-engined Y-11, the twin-PT-6A-powered Y-12 has an enlarged cabin to accommodate up to 17 passengers. A first production batch of 18 aircraft was scheduled for completion by the end of 1986.
The Y-12 prototype first flew in 1982, and there have been three series production versions
Y12 (I)
Initial version with 500 shp PT6A-11 engines, 93” diameter propellers,
leading edge slats, seating for 17 passengers and a MTOW of 5000 kg.
Y12 (II)
Later production version with higher-rated 600 shp PT6A-27 engines, plain leading edge, 98” diameter propellers and MTOW increased to 5300 kg. The UK CAA issued Type Certificate FA49 for this variant in 1990 and examples are in operation in Malaysia and Fiji.
Y12 (IV)
Improved model with sweptback wingtips, redesigned seating for 18-19 passengers and max. weight increased to 5700 kg. The Canadian Aerospace Corporation markets a version of the aircraft under the Twin Panda name as a DHC-6 replacement.
The Sri Lankan Air Force ordered six Y-12 turboprop utility transports from China in 1986, and at least two have been delivered to the Chinese Air Force for aerial survey work.
The Y12 was originally produced by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC), and under Chinese commercial arrangements is marketed by the China Aviation Technology Import and Export Company (CATIC). HAMC has subsequently been reorganised in 1999 as Hafei Aviation Industry Co. Ltd (HAI), responsible for the Y12 and other sub-contract work.
Federal Aviation Administration Type Certificate: A00006WI applies to the Hafei Aviation Industry Company Limited Y12 IV.
Harbin Y 12 II Turbo Panda
Engines: 2 x PT 6 A 27, 500 shp
Length: 48.885 ft / 14.9 m
Height: 18.373 ft / 5.6 m
Wingspan: 56.43 ft / 17.2 m
Wing area: 369.205 sq.ft / 34.3 sq.m
Max take off weight: 11686.5 lb / 5300.0 kg
Weight empty: 6262.2 lb / 2840.0 kg
Max weight carried: 5424.3 lb / 2460.0 kg
Max speed: 158 kt / 292 km/h
Cruising speed: 135 kt / 250 km/h
Initial climb rate: 1653.54 ft/min / 8.4 m/s
Service ceiling: 22966 ft / 7000 m
Wing loading: 31.78 lb/sq.ft / 155.0 kg/sq.m
Range: 724 nm / 1340 km
Crew: 2
Payload: 17pax
Y-12-II
Engine: 2 x P&WAC PT6A.
Installed pwr: 925 kW.
Span: 17.2 m.
Length: 14.9 m.
Wing area: 34.3 sq.m.
Empty wt: 2840 kg.
MTOW: 5000 kg.
Payload: 1700 kg.
Cruise speed: 330 kph.
Initial ROC: 528 m / min.
Ceiling: 7000 m.
T/O run: 180 m.
Ldg run: 208 m.
Fuel internal: 1600 lt.
Range/payload: 1440 km with 800 kg.
Capacity: 17 pax.
Y12 IV
Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27
Propellers: 2x Hartzell HC-B3TN-3B/T10173(N)B-3
MCTOW 12,500 lb (5670 kg)
All Aero 