RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS TO SHOWCASE NEW COMMERCIAL MODELS AT HELIRUSSIA 2015

Russian Helicopters' Ka-226T boasts high-precision hovering ability, outstanding manoeuvrability and handling, as well as a high power rating, maximum safety and ease of use. Russian Helicopters Photo

Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) will highlight a line-up of new commercial helicopters including the light Ka-226T and Ansat and medium Mi-171A2 and Mi-38 at HeliRussia 2015, one of the key events in the industry calendar, which runs from May 21 to 23 at Moscow Crocus Expo centre. The company will take part in round tables and conferences, and will hold a number of meetings and presentations for partners. 

"Russian Helicopters has always been an active participant in HeliRussia, where it showcases advanced technology," Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said. "By creating new helicopters we can expand our model range and compete more successfully on the global market. Today's helicopter manufacturers are also competing to provide the best aftersales service and this is a key area of focus for us that we plan to highlight at HeliRussia."

Sector experts expect particular interest in the light multirole Ka-226T and Ansat. The Ka-226T boasts high-precision hovering ability, outstanding manoeuvrability and handling, as well as a high power rating, maximum safety and ease of use.

The light multirole Ansat will be presented with a medical module. The helicopter has high potential for use in medical aviation, as it can be used to transport injured and sick people to hospitals, or to provide on-board medical attention or resuscitate patients. The medical module includes an artificial breathing apparatus, monitoring and defibrillation system, an aspirator, vacuum mattress and many other features that will help save lives. 

Deliveries of the Ansat are scheduled to start in the nearest time. Experts say that the Ansat has a number of competitive edges over other helicopters in its class. The helicopter has a spacious cabin, is reliable and easy to fly, and can be stored outdoors.

Medium helicopters will be represented by the Mi-171A2 and Mi-38. The Mi-171A2 is one of the most eagerly anticipated new Russian helicopters, and is the latest addition to the Mi-8/17 series, with significant changes to the aircraft's construction and on-board equipment that improve flight capabilities and reduce operating costs. Russian Helicopters is currently testing the new helicopter using the Mi-171LL ("flying laboratory") and first prototype of the Mi-171A2.

Sector experts say that the Mi-38's cargo-carrying ability and cabin volume, combined with its high speed and comfort, are likely to create high levels of demand from regional operators, primarily for passenger and cargo flights. Low noise levels, a spacious passenger cabin and next-generation flight safety standards are all qualities that suit the helicopter to a wide range of uses. Flight tests are currently ongoing with a number of prototypes. Kazan Helicopters, a Russian Helicopters' company, has already started assembling the first serial-production Mi-38.

At HeliRussia 2015, Russian Helicopters will also present its aftersales service program to military helicopter operators. The program has been taken to a new level with the granting of a licence from the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation to provide aftersales service for military aircraft sold abroad. 

HeliRussia is a key event for Russian and global helicopter manufacturers. At HeliRussia 2015 market participants will brief the industry on their latest products and future plans. The event has been held since 2008. Russian Helicopters has participated every year, and is the title sponsor of HeliRussia 2015.