Group : Turboprop Airplanes
Status : Active
Also Known As : Y12, Y-12E, Y-12II
Origin : China
Contractor : Hafei Aviation Industry Company Limited
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : May 1985
First Flight : 1982
Total Production : 178

The Y-12 is a twin-engine, upper wing, light multi-purpose turboprop airplane fitted with a non-retractable tricycle landing gear designed and manufactured by AVIC Hafei Aviation Industry Co. Ltd. (HAIG) in China. The Y-12II first flew in 1982 and was awarded type certification from Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) in 1985 Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom (UK) in June 1990. The Y-12II first export order by Sri Lanka was finalized in December 1986. It has been designed to serve as a transport aircraft carrying 17-19 passengers and/or cargo for both civil and military customers operating from unprepared and short runways. The aircraft is being marketed by AVIC International and HAIG has developed and is developing several improved versions in addition to the basic model Y-12II. As of late 2010, more than 178 Y-12 aircraft have been sold to 23 countries including Chinese operators and export customers all over the world.

The Y-12IV is an upgraded variant that first flew in 1993 and features a maximum takeoff weight increased from 5,300 kg to 5,670 kg and a seating capacity increased from 17 to 19. The J-12IV incorporates winglets but retains the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 engines each rated at 620-shp and the Hartzell three-blade propeller. CAAC certification was awarded in July 1994. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the type certificate in March 1995. The Y-12E is another variant equipped with a four-blade propeller and more powerful engines that first flew in 2001 and received the CAAC certificate in December the same year. FAA type certificate was awarded in August 2006. The Y-12E features improved performance in hot and high conditions and is equipped with PT6A-135A engines and four-blade Hartzell propellers.

The aircraft's design is optimized for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations. In addition to the transport role, the aircraft can serve as ocean surveillance, VIP transport, troops transport carrying 15-fully equipped infantrymen, medial evacuation, parachute jumping and agricultural aircraft. HAIG is working on the Y-12F version featuring spacious cabin, longer range and higher cruise speed powered by PT6A-65B engines with five-blade propellers. The Y-12F is heavier and larger than its predecessors.