Specialists of Russian Helicopters Holding forming part of Rostec State Corporation are actively developing a light single-engine multipurpose helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of up to two tons. Serial production of these machines is to begin in 2020-2021.

“Light multipurpose helicopters are the largest segment of global market for civil helicopters, which is general aviation. This is a new market segment for Russian Helicopters Holding. Therefore, we are faced with several tasks. Firstly, we are to create a product which would be attractive to both commercial and private customers. Secondly, we are to get into new markets including Europe and the USA, through certification of the helicopter in these countries,” said Andrey Boginsky, General Director of Russian Helicopters Holding, during the meeting of the Aviation Board of the Government of the Russian Federation.

The new light multipurpose helicopter will have coaxial rotors. The maximum takeoff weight of the machine will be 1,600 kilos, and the range will total 760 kilometres. The helicopter will be able to carry up to five people or 730 kilos of useful load. The cruising speed of the machine will total 230 kph, while the service ceiling will be 6,100 metres. At present, the engineers of the Holding have begun to create the design. It is expected that this year the application for a type certificate will be submitted.

Due to modern piloting and navigation equipment and avionics, as well as maneuverability and easy controls, the new helicopter has good prospects in the segments such as corporate transport, monitoring of facilities of the fuel and energy complex, and initial pilot training. The product’s key advantages include hauling capacity and best-in-class range.

Russian Helicopters, (part of State Corporation Rostec), is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. In 2015 its IFRS revenues increased 29.5% to RUB 220.0 billion. Deliveries reached 212 helicopters.

State Corporation Rostec is a Russian corporation founded in 2007 for the purpose of promoting the development, production and export of hi-tech civilian and military industry products. It comprises 663 organisations, nine of which have now been formed as holding companies of the military-industrial complex, six of them are involved in civil industries and 32 are directly controlled. Rostec’s portfolio includes recognised brands such as Avtovaz, Kamaz, Russian Helicopters, and VSMPO‑AVISMA. Rostec’s organisations are located in 60 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and supply their products to the markets of more than 70 countries. The revenue of Rostec in 2014 amounted to RUB 964.5 billion; its tax liabilities exceeded RUB 147.8 billion.

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