The Harbin Y-12 is a Chinese twin-engine turboprop utility transport family that first flew in 1982, won FAA certification for the Y-12 IV in 1995, and later served as a transport, surveillance, and strike-support aircraft in Myanmar.
In December 2021, four Y-12 aircraft were commissioned into the Myanmar Air Force and later reported used for surveillance and airstrikes on Mantong town and nearby villages in northern Shan State.
Mizzima reports that Y-12 aircraft were used to drop mortar rounds from the air during attacks in Myanmar.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | 60 mm mortar bomb | Mizzima reports Y-12 aircraft were observed dropping 60 mm mortar rounds during aerial attacks in Myanmar. Sources: Mizzima: Myanmar junta deploys Y-12 aircraft for aerial bombing campaigns |
 | 81 mm mortar bomb | Mizzima reports Y-12 aircraft were observed dropping 81 mm mortar rounds during aerial attacks in Myanmar. Sources: Mizzima: Myanmar junta deploys Y-12 aircraft for aerial bombing campaigns |
The Y-12 prototype first flew in 1982.
Sources: HAI Y12 IV Type Acceptance Report
FAA type certificate A00006WI was issued for the Y-12 IV on 25 March 1995.
Sources: HAI Y12 IV Type Acceptance Report
Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation was reorganized in 1999 as Hafei Aviation Industry Co. Ltd.
Sources: HAI Y12 IV Type Acceptance Report
Four Y-12 aircraft were commissioned into the Myanmar Air Force in December 2021.
Sources: Airbusted report
Public certification records and trade reporting make the Y-12 family easier to sort by variant than by airframe number alone.
| Variant | Milestone | Price context |
|---|---|---|
| Y-12 prototype | First flight in 1982 | Start of the family line derived from the Y-11. |
| Y-12 IV | FAA type certificate in March 1995 | First Chinese-designed aircraft family to win FAA certification. |
| Y-12E | FAA certification in 2006 | Reported list price about US$6 million. |
| Y-12F | FAA certification in 2016 | Reported list price about US$8 million. |
