http://russianhelicopters.aero Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:06:38 +0400 60 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2831.html <p align="justify"> DALLAS, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Russian Helicopters' newest medium lift aircraft, the Mi-171A2, was put on display this week at an industry exhibition in Texas.</p> <p align="justify"> DALLAS, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Russian Helicopters' newest medium lift aircraft, the Mi-171A2, was put on display this week at an industry exhibition in Texas.</p> <p align="justify"> The aircraft, which is in the prototype phase of development, is a modernized version of the Mi-8/17, the export variant of the Mi-8, which first came into service with the Soviet military in the 1970s and which could be used as a gunship as well as a troops and cargo transport.</p> <p align="justify"> More than 12,000 earlier Mi-8/17s are in use around the world.</p> <p align="justify"> "Russian Helicopters have become a permanent exhibitor at HeliExpo, one of the best platforms in the world for demonstrating new models and sharing industry achievements,"</p> <p align="justify">Russian Helicopters Chief Executive Officer Dmitry Petrov said.</p> <p align="justify"> "We have decided to showcase the new Mi-171A2 in the USA in addition to the Ka-32A11BC that is already known in North America.</p> <p align="justify"> "I am confident that the Mi-171A2 will help Russia retain its leadership in the medium helicopter class, offering current and future customers all over the world unsurpassed performance, reliability, and safety that are the traditional advantages of rotorcraft of Russian make."</p> <p align="justify"> The Mi-171A2, which is expected to be certified in 2014, features new, higher power output engines, a new composite bladed rotor system and an enhanced transmission system.</p> <p align="justify"> Russian Helicopters said the aircraft also features an integrated avionics suite in which flight data is displayed on large screens.</p> <p align="justify"> In all, more than 100 improvements -- including those suggested by Mi-8/17 customers -- have been made over the Mi-</p> <p align="justify">8/17 and the earlier Mi-171 produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant and which is operated 30 countries.</p> <p align="justify"> Mi-171A2 is under development by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, which is building the aircraft prototypes. It is expected to receive certification in 2014. The aircraft will be capable of carrying as many as 37 troops, in full equipment, on troop seats or 26 passengers on regular seats.</p> <p align="justify"> Its cargo compartment capacity is more than 8,800 pounds and an equal weight can be carried on a sling.</p> <p align="justify"> In addition to troops/passenger and cargo transport, the aircraft is suitable for missions such as firefighting, casualty treatment and medical evacuation and search-and-rescue missions, the company said.</p> <p align="justify"> Russian Helicopters JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of Russian Technologies State Corp. It is helicopter production powerhouse, with five production facilities, two design organizations, repair facilities and an after-sale service branch.</p> <p align="justify"> The aircraft was displayed at HeliExpo, an annual event sponsored by Helicopter Association International.</p> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2821.html <p class="bigtitle"><a class="dblue" href="http://en.rian.ru/business/20120208/171213309.html">Russian Helicopters Denies China Mi-2 Project</a></p> <p>Russian Helicopters, the holding that combines Russia's rotorcraft design and manufacturing enterprises, has denied press reports that it intends to take part in a joint venture to produce Mi-2A light helicopters in China.</p> <p>RIA Novosti reported on Monday that Xinhua said Russian helicopter maker Rostvertol and China's Xi'Ao Aeroplane Manufacturing intended to build a plant in northern China capable of manufacturing 100 lightweight civil Mi-2A helicopters annually.</p> <p>"Russian Helicopters states that neither Rosvertol...or Russian Helicopters or any of its daughter companies are taking part in any joint venture on the territory of China for production or kit assembly of light helicopters or any analogues of Mi-2 type helicopters," Russian Helicopters said in a statement on Wednesday.</p> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2814.html Andrey Reus: In a Couple of Years We Will Make Kazan Helicopters The Envy of All Our Rivals <p align="justify">Last week, an Oboronprom delegation headed by Director General Andrey Reus visited one of its key assets, Kazan Helicopters (Russian Helicopters is part of the Corporation). The enterprise is growing at a spectacular rate, with revenue for the last year forecast to reach 30 bln. rubles. Andrey Reus says that the situation is similar across the industry.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> In 2011, Kazan Helicopters invested 1.5 bln. rubles in the upgrade. &ldquo;This is already a world-class plant, and we have another couple of years to make it the envy of all our rivals,&rdquo; Andrey Reus said. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Mr Reus&rsquo;s thoughts were echoed by the banners hanging in the workshop to illustrate the Toyota Production System. &ldquo;Go to the source to find the facts to make correct decisions,&rdquo; says one of them. &ldquo;Become a learning organization through relentless reflection and continuous improvement,&rdquo; reads another.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">The results of the new philosophy at the plant are clear: in 2007 Kazan Helicopters had revenue of just over 6 bln. Rubles, while now the figure is 30 billion. The average salary, according to the plant&rsquo;s official data, has risen from 12,680 rubles to more than 26,000 rubles (the results for 2011 are preliminary and will be confirmed in the annual report).</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><b>- Mr.Reus, what are the 2011 results of the rotorcraft-building enterprises within the Corporation?</b></p> <p align="justify">- As per the annual results, the helicopter sector achieved 40% growth in revenue to 120 bln. rubles. This is a very serious pace. There are no loss-makers in the holding.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><b>- Would you like to highlight any specific achievements?</b></p> <p align="justify">- The upgrades of our plants, especially Kazan Helicopters. Three years ago we approved the modernization plan. The results can be seen on the shop floors &ndash; we are procuring not separate items of equipment, but a whole system of works. This is the only way to increase production efficiency, which is very important, since we are already seriously competing in the global market. Russian Helicopters ranks third by global sales. Sikorsky Aircraft and Eurocopter are first and second, and we are followed by AgustaWestland (by the way, this year we are launching a joint venture to assembling АW-139 helicopters), Bell and the rotorcraft division of Boeing. </p> <p align="justify">2011 also made us understand the necessity of creating centers of excellence. In 2012 we shall set about implementing this idea in a number of areas, including machining and composite materials. We are implementing a major project in transmission at the Reduktor-PM plant in Perm. The Progress plant at Arsenyev, which is also part of Russian Helicopters, has launched new casting facilities using cutting-edge technologies. Implementation of this project is quite crucial.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><b>- How do you assess last year&rsquo;s interaction with foreign customers?</b></p> <p align="justify">- We are quite active in India, which is a priority market for helicopter and engine-manufacturing holdings within Oboronprom. We are delivering on a contract for 80 Mi-17V-5 helicopters signed by Rosoboronexport, and are also bidding in the tender for light helicopters with our Ка-226Т, and the operation of our support center there... For some time trade with China has been slowing down. Now we have taken the leap and this tendency is bound to grow... And the American contract is very important. As a matter of fact it is a sign for the business community &ndash; although we understood that we make a high-class product &ndash; and for our European and global partners, a sort of certificate of acknowledgement that our machines are very high quality. For a number of combat and transport operations Mi-17V-5 is the best in the world in its class. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><b>- The Ministry of Defense has recently announced that it is going to order a huge number of helicopters from the holding, which is unrealistic compared to supply levels in previous years...</b></p> <p align="justify">- I consider it of the highest importance to sign long-term contracts with the Defense Ministry. We have been aiming for this for the past few years. The industry needs long-term contracts since one-year contracts have proved to be inefficient. Starting from 2011 our relations with the MoD regarding helicopters are developing on a long-term basis. Overall, orders placed with Russian Helicopters by state bodies (Defense Ministry, EMERCOM, other agencies) in 2012 will grow by 50 percent, and the same tendency can be seen with regard to Kazan Helicopters in particular.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">- What about international activity of the holding?</p> <p align="justify">-Russian Helicopters is a global player, it sells its products to 80 countries so the company actively cooperate world-wide. </p> <p align="justify">We are preparing to sign a number of contracts with Avio, a well-known Italian company. The French group Safran supplies the engines for the Ka-226T and Ka-62 helicopters.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">- Is Russian Helicopters going to change how it supports its products?</p> <p align="justify">- We launched a new logic of support two years ago. And the logic is as follows: you should sell not the machines themselves, but their lifecycle. The whole world has accepted this practice and we are also taking the necessary steps to adopt this type of business model.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">- Will Russian Helicopters hold an IPO?</p> <p align="justify">- Yes, the holding previously started on the IPO path, but stopped short. We didn&rsquo;t intend to sell the stock of shares cheaply. Russian Helicopters is a successful company, so to reduce share price just to be listed is not acceptable for us. One of the reasons for postponing is that the investors didn&rsquo;t believe that our order book will remain at the same level as now. But by the end of 2011 we had signed firm contracts for $22 bln across Oboronprom. In fact this is three times our previous annual revenue. Now we are waiting for the right time and favorable market conditions.</p> <p align="justify">- Now let us discuss the model range. The situation with the Mi-17 is more or less clear. What newly-designed products we can expect in the near future?</p> <p align="justify">- We have begun developing an advanced high-speed helicopter . 400 mln rubles were invested in this project under the Federal Target Program to develop civil aviation in 2011. It&rsquo;s a very important project that will influence our marketability in a 10-15 year timeframe.</p> <p align="justify">Another important project is a complete upgrading of Mi-8 helicopters, i.e., the Mi-171A2 program. This would help us to retain our current niche and gain new markets. We must finish this work in two years. Mass production will be prepared in Ulan-Ude, but Kazan Helicopters will include all Mi-171A2 innovations in its contracts.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Kamov helicopters accounts for an increased proportion of production volumes. We are betting strongly on the Ka-226T. We are actively promoting it to India under tender, there is only competitor left &ndash; Eurocopter. We&rsquo;ve invested a great deal of effort in the Ka-226T program in the last years, I think that it&rsquo;s an excellent aircraft and it can sweep the market.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Recently Mi-28N and Ka-52 were inducted in the Russian Army. And there are many contracts for them. We are upgrading our Mi-34 light helicopters. Another priority is the Mi-38, which is also financed under the Federal Target Programs.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <div align="justify"> You are aware that Oboronprom launched UAV programs together with Israeli company IAI. I think that in 5-7 years&rsquo; time it will be reasonable to sell helicopters, UAVs and control systems as a suite of products. That&rsquo;s why we began assembly of the vehicles using IAI technologies; we are settling the issues connected with production localization. Then we&rsquo;ll begin to work under UAV program, but based at our own helicopter technologies.</div> <p> <br /> </p> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2813.html Andrey Reus: State Order for Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant to Double <p align="justify">An Oboronprom delegation headed by Andrey Reus kicked off a tour of key United Industrial Corporation enterprises with the visit to Ulan-Ude Aviation plant on 23 January. Andrey Reus, Director General, and a member of the Central Council Bureau of the Russian Engineering Union, answered some questions from our correspondent.</p> <p align="justify"><b>- How do you rate the performance of Russian Helicopters in 2011? How did the Ulan-Ude plant contribute?</b></p> <p align="justify">- The holding had quite a successful year . According to preliminary estimates, production in 2011 increased by nearly 40%, which is an impressive number. Production at Ulan-Ude increased by more than 35 %.</p> <p align="justify">- Could you say a few words about your investment plans for 2012 and beyond&hellip;</p> <p align="justify">- Currently we are considering investment programs for all of Russian Helicopters&rsquo; plants. Kazan Helicopters has finished a serious investment program that has achieved a lot, and today it is a top-notch plant. </p> <p align="justify">Ulan-Ude plant is awaiting its turn. Production facilities are undergoing modernization, and new equipment is being procured. We invest every year and will maintain a steady flow of investments in future.</p> <p align="justify"><b>- What else have you learnt while visiting Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant?</b></p> <p align="justify">- I always start a year by touring all the plants that make up Oboronprom , both helicopter and engine-producing. I need to see the situation with my own eyes. This current visit to Ulan-Ude is a long-planned trip. </p> <p align="justify">The plant is ready to tackle the tasks at hand to increase production output. We have signed five-year contracts with vendors to enable the holding&rsquo;s plants, including Ulan-Ude plant, to work around the clock, so that all constraints are eliminated. </p> <p align="justify"><b>- You are at the helm of a major state corporation. How do you evaluate the measures taken by the government to support high-tech industries, including rotorcraft building?</b></p> <p align="justify">- Work has been ongoing since about 2004. As a deputy minister for industry and energy I have taken an active role in developing tools of state support for the industry. A federal target program for developing the defense industry was created at that time. We have outlined a number of methods to reduce imports, subsidize interest rates, support exports and introduce more high-tech equipment and options to buy it on favorable terms. I can also mention some additional measures here, like innovations funded by the state, for example. </p> <p align="justify">All in all the state has allotted more than 60 billion rubles to support helicopter and engine-building industries.</p> <p align="justify">In the five years that I have been working at Oboronprom we have actively used all these instruments. This has helped us to make all plants in the helicopter-building holding profitable. In the engine-building sector we have managed a break-through, saved a number of plants from bankruptcy and now they are doing quite well. So we can say that without state support measures, without the current industrial policy, we would not have achieved the present success.</p> <p align="justify">The engine and helicopter-building sectors are not the only beneficiaries.</p> <p align="justify">Ulan-Ude Aviation plant is one of the enterprises that make up Russian Helicopters holding. The plant has modern, extensive production facilities and technological know-how, meaning that it is very efficient at manufacturing new types of aircraft and can both develop prototypes and mass-produce. In its 70-year history the plant has made more than 8,000 aircraft, and today specializes in producing Mi-171 and Mi-171Sh helicopters.</p> <p align="justify">This means that we can expand quickly. Russia&rsquo;s helicopter-building industry currently ranks third globally by production volumes. Five years ago nobody could have expected that. Between 2004 and 2011 helicopter production tripled, from 85 to 262 helicopters. Currently Russian Helicopters has global market share of 14%, and I think that we can move up from our current third place.</p> <p align="justify"><b>- We are third in the world in terms of producing heavy and medium-class helicopters?</b></p> <p align="justify">- I meant all of our products &ndash; the whole range of helicopters. With respect to the helicopters you mentioned, we are indisputable world leaders. But it is important to maintain our position and develop our success. This is feasible thanks to our program of modernizing major plants. Upgrading projects is the number-one priority from a business point of view if we are to maintain the niche that we dominate at the moment. The same goes for our product range. Within Russian Helicopters, U-UAP is organizing mass production of a radically overhauled Mi-171А2 helicopter to replace the bestselling Mi-8/17 in the sales structure, allowing Russia to maintain its leadership in the medium-class helicopter niche for decades to come.</p> <p align="justify"><b>- In the coming years the state plans to plough huge funds into developing the defense industry. Is the Ulan-Ude plant capable of becoming a driver of regional economic development or a platform for promoting innovation? </b></p> <p align="justify">- Buryatia can have great confidence in the plant. Helicopter building is a growing industry. Oboronporm enterprises have an order book of 622 billion rubles, and state orders for U-UAP in 2012 are going to double.</p> <p align="justify"><b>- In your opinion, what needs to be done to recruit more young talent to work at the plant and make engineering professions more appealing?</b></p> <p align="justify">- I feel that the prestige of the engineering profession has increased recently. We work closely with higher education establishments, setting up new faculties with our best specialists as tutors. We understand how precious engineering thought is.</p> <p> <br /> </p> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2694.html <h1>Russia to get upgraded choppers</h1> <p class="text">Russian companies have begun work on modified versions of Mi-8 and 17. and Mi-171 helicopters. The new machine called the Mi-171-A2 can continue the commercial success of its predecessors. </p> <p class="text">There are good reasons for this. One of the major differences between the new version and the older ones- the Mi-17/171 is the weaponry. The earlier copters had  &ldquo;Motor Sich&rdquo; engines manufactured in Zaporozhie, Ukraine, says Andrei Fomin, editor in chief of  &ldquo;Vzlet&rdquo; magazine. </p> <p class="text">&ldquo;Sometimes, that created  problems when assembling copters for the military and for export. Hence it was  decided  to organize the production of  upgraded  engines in Russia, for which purpose a new mass production plant, a member of the Klimov company is under construction outside St. Petersburg. The mass production of engines, including for the Mi-171A2 will be done there. An auxiliary device like Sapphire- a product of the Czech Republic will be used  as  a foreign part. The modified version of the Mi-171A2 was initially conceived as a civilian transport and passenger chopper, which is certified in accordance with international norms, as a fit and proper civilian ship," says Andrei Fomin.</p> <p class="text">"However, the well known Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters  are widely used by civilians and the military alike. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the upgraded version will be used by the military in Russia and abroad in the future. It doesn&rsquo;t mean that the helicopter will be turned into a bomb dropping aircraft. It is meant to transport airborne troops and special force units only."</p> <p class="text">But the emphasis is on the production of a commercial version of the Mi-171A2 copter, which meets all the modern requirements.</p> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2692.html <h1>Russian copters for Afghan army</h1> <div class="doc_text"> <p class="text">Russia is to deliver12 Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan before the end of the first 6 months of this year, and will thus fulfill the orders of the Pentagon for the supply of Mi-17B5 military and transport copters in full by July.</p> <p class="text">The Mi copter, which is produced by the Moscow Helicopter Factory could be the trademark of Russia&rsquo;s aircraft industry. It is exported to more than 50 countries in the world, including India, China and Iran. The Mi-8 and Mi-17 &ndash; an upgraded version of Mi-8, are the most popular, says Andrei Fomin, editor in chief of the &ldquo;Vzlet&rdquo; magazine. </p> <p class="text">&ldquo;It is an unprecedented event for the U.S. to order a large batch of  Russian made helicopters for the Afghan army. There were alternatives, but the Russian copters were chosen because of their effectiveness, price and suitability for allied  tasks  which they are to perform. The Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters are the leaders among the Russian copter series today, and they are in high demand by foreign countries, for various purposes&rdquo;, Andrei Fomin said.</p> <p class="text">For example, a new navigational complex with different versions has been installed in Mi-8, the most popular Russian helicopter. The cabin is readapted to allow for the fitting of a night vision device, as well as a gadget to enable it to fly in extremely poor weather conditions.</p> <p class="text">Work on the upgrading of the Mi serieis is continuing. The designers are  focusing on the  Mi-171A1 basic model - the modern version of the well known Mi-8. It is planned to complete the experimental  work, trial and airworthiness certification by 2012, while the mass production of the  copter will begin in 2013.</p> </div> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2690.html Russian Helicopters Delivers First Mi-171A2 Fuselage Russian Helicopters&rsquo; Ulan Ude factory has delivered the first fuselage for the Mil Mi-171A2 to its Mil Moscow plant for completion of one of two test aircraft, the company said on Monday. <br /> The company is planning a major modification of the Mi-171, including more powerful engines, composite main rotor, an X-shaped tail rotor, and integrated cockpit displays and navigation system. <br /> Mil plans to hand over two complete airframes for testing by the end of 2012. <br /> Mil hopes to increase the aircraft&rsquo;s range to 850 kilometers on internal fuel, external payload to 5,000 kilograms and boost cruising speed and crosswind limits. The machine will be able to operate in conditions of plus or minus 50 degrees Celsius (from 120 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 45 Fahrenheit). The new aircraft will also have significantly reduced running cost per hour, Mil claims. <br /> The Mi-171A2 will be certified in Russia and abroad after a series of ground and flight tests. The aircraft is expected to go in production by the end of 2014. <br /> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2691.html <b>Russia Invests $160 Million in Rotary UAV Development</b> <br /> Russian Helicopters has received 5 billion rubles ($160 mln) from the federal budget for the development of three types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). <br /> <br /> After charging that smaller domestic developers wasted public funds - and pointedly purchasing Israeli drones for military trials - the Defense Ministry has switched to a big holding with sufficient capacity to develop and produce indigenous UAVs. <br /> <br /> According to the Gazeta.ru portal, the company has been contracted by the Russian Defense Ministry to develop light-, medium-, and heavy-weight rotary UAVs for reconnaissance, strike and transportation purposes. <br /> <br /> A prototype of a short-range drone, Ka-135, with carrying capacity of up to 100 kg, must be developed by 2015. <br /> <br /> A heavy-weight UAV, dubbed Albatros, is expected to be developed by 2017. It can be used as a strike or transport drone. <br /> <br /> The most recent contract envisions the development of a medium-weight UAV with operational range of up to 300 km. <br /> <br /> If successful, Russian Helicopters may receive additional funding in the future to develop two more types of UAVs to be delivered to the military and police. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2693.html <h1>Night Hunter: An all-new combat helicopter</h1> <b>Mi-28N, also called the Night Hunter, may have lost the Indian tender, but is brimming with ambitious plans to upgrade this all-season combat machine and conquer new markets <br /> </b> <br /> The global market for helicopter machinery is one of the biggest in both the civil and military segments, and customers are very demanding. A striking example of the fierce competition in this market is the Indian defence ministry&rsquo;s recent international tender for 22 attack helicopters. Although New Delhi is Russia&rsquo;s strategic partner in military and technical cooperation, India gave preference to the U.S. AH-64D over the Russian Mi-28NE. <p>Indian sources cite the Russian model&rsquo;s failure to match or surpass its U.S. counterpart in twenty criteria posed by the tender customer, as well as the AH-64D Apache Longbow&rsquo;s superior day and night capabilities. Are these claims tenable? They forget that the Mi-28 is in service as the main attack helicopter of the Russian Air Force. Has the Russian defence ministry made a mistake?</p> <p>The fate of the Night Hunter has not been easy. The Mi-28&rsquo;s creation and serial production programme coincided with a very tough period in Russia&rsquo;s history, as one state disintegrated and many new states were formed, including Russia. The Russian economy was in turmoil, leading to a cut in the national defence budget. While four Mi-28 prototypes were produced between 1982 and 1991, including two Mi-28A advanced versions, the first two prototypes of the Mi-28N modification weren&rsquo;t commissioned until November 1996 and March 2004, respectively.</p> <p>The helicopter design was later saved by a spike in energy prices which fuelled the growth of the Russian economy and proved to be a magic wand for the Mi-28 programme. In 2003, the Russian Air Force designated the two-seat, armoured, day-night military combat helicopter Mi-28N its main attack helicopter. The Night Hunter was supposed to replace the large fleet of Mi-24 helicopters.</p> <p>However, some experts have questioned whether the Russian defence ministry&rsquo;s decision to put this combat helicopter into service was wise or timely. They claimed that some of the helicopter systems had flaws, specifically the radar station mounted above the rotor. This is partially true, especially as far as the radar station is concerned &ndash;&ndash; it was only in development when the decision was made to adopt the Mi-28N for the Russian Air Force. Serial production of the new combat helicopter had to begin without the top-mounted radar station, which still remains undeveloped. The problem will be resolved in an upgraded version of the Mi-28N, which has been ordered by the Russian defence ministry.</p> <p> &ldquo;I want to make it clear that the absence of the top-mounted radar station on the serial-produced Mi-28N does not mean it has no day-and-night or all-weather capabilities, contrary to what some say,&rdquo; says Alexei Samusenko, general designer at JSC Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. &ldquo;We have started serial production of the helicopter, because it can be operated day and night and in bad weather conditions, albeit with some limitations. But we have to remember that even the most advanced combat helicopter cannot be used in all weather conditions, as there are always some limitations.&rdquo;</p> <p>Flight tests of an experimental prototype of the radar station, which can also be used for ground mapping, began on a Night Hunter prototype on Feb 16, 2007. The upgraded attack helicopter MI-28NM was equipped with a radar station capable of searching and detecting targets for the efficient use of on-board armaments. It also serves as weather radar.</p> <p>Even the MI-28N version without the top-mounted radar station that is currently in service successfully carries out its mission: to train pilots on a new generation combat helicopter, because even flying at low altitudes in the all-new helicopter &ndash; a crucial component of combat helicopter survivability &ndash; is a real challenge.</p> <p>&ldquo;A pilot must always fly and be trained on a maneuverable combat machine capable of aerobatics,&rdquo; says Samusenko. &ldquo;The more Russian pilots fly the Mi-28N, the better, and soon they will get an upgrade with enhanced combat capabilities.&rdquo;</p> <p>The Mi-28N is not a modified version, but an all-new combat helicopter, a completely new generation machine. The Night Hunter is unique and technically superior to both Russian combat machines and same-class helicopters in service with the militaries of many foreign nations.</p> <p> </p> <p>The first MI-28N machines were handed over to the Russian Air Force in early 2008 and arrived at the Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training in Torzhok, where service tests were launched. On October 15, 2009, the Russian president issued an order for the Russian Air Force to officially adopt the new combat helicopter.</p> <p>Significantly, in early 2006, Russian Air Force Commander General Vladimir Mikhailov said that the army planned to procure 50 Mi-28N helicopters by 2010. However, to date, JSC Rostvertol has produced and delivered about 40 Mi-28N combat helicopters to the Russian Air Force. But production seems to be gradually picking up pace: last year alone, the Air Force received 10 new machines. Six more Hunters were delivered to Rostov-on-Don in early October 2011. The Russian defence ministry and Russian Helicopters Holding, which consists of JSC Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and JSC Rostvertol, signed a multiyear contract for the supply of Mi-28N combat helicopters by 2020. Starting in 2015, the plant plans to begin producing an advanced version of the Night Hunter.</p> <p><strong>A versatile complex</strong></p> <p>A modern combat helicopter is a sophisticated, versatile aviation complex capable not only of flying and using various weapons systems, but also of effectively performing a broad range of tasks and meeting all the requirements for machines of its class in modern warfare. It must be able to perform assigned missions in any conditions &ndash;&ndash; day or night, in adverse weather, at low altitudes and in mountainous areas, at low temperatures and in hot climates.</p> <p>This is why the developers did their best to deliver state-of-the-art technical and technological solutions in both airborne avionics and armament when they designed the basic Mi-28 model and its modified version, the Mi-28N. Suffice it to say that a standard Mi-28N recently made a successful record-breaking flight to Mount Elbrus.</p> <p>The Night Hunter features a cutting-edge, integrated onboard equipment complex, ensuring the machine&rsquo;s 24x7 operation and incorporating an electro-optical surveillance and sighting station with TV and thermal sighting system, coupled with a laser range-finder and antitank missile guidance system, as well as a turret electro-optical system with TV and thermal imaging channels, which considerably enhances piloting efficiency.</p> <p>The former system is housed in the nose of the helicopter in a rotating cylindrical container, and the latter system is placed is a small rotating &ldquo;ball&rdquo; above this container. Also located in the nose, under a special cowl, is the command radio equipment for the antitank missile control system.</p> <p>The Night Hunter&rsquo;s integrated onboard equipment complex, based on a last generation onboard computer, also features a modern navigation system and piloting complex, as well as a state-of-the-art communications complex. Target, flight, navigation and other information required by the crew is displayed on the windshield in the cockpit and on four multifunction color LCD displays&ndash;&ndash;two for the pilot and two for the navigator/weapons operator. The crew is also equipped with night-vision goggles for piloting the machine at night.</p> <p>&ldquo;One difference from the American model is that, based on our combat experience, including in Afghanistan, we have met stringent combat survivability requirements,&rdquo; says Samusenko. &ldquo;The helicopter has effective protective systems &ndash; both active and passive &ndash; against a wide range of weapons, from firearms to various types of missiles, even heat-homing guided missiles. In fact, our combat helicopters can adapt to warfare in which enemies are both beneath and around you; not somewhere far, but everywhere, including close to the home airfield.&rdquo;</p> <p>The Mi-28N has been equipped with highly effective defence systems to improve survivability, specifically laser and radar illumination stations and infrared decoys (the latter are located in removable containers mounted on the wingtips). To further increase survivability, the upgraded version, the Mi-28NM, will be equipped with a new onboard defense complex, says the developer. Other measures will be taken as well to increase the aircraft&rsquo;s combat potential.</p> <p>Importantly, both crew members of the Night Hunter are placed in an armoured cockpit, in seats ensuring the survival of pilots during crash landings with significant load factors. This was clearly demonstrated when a Mi-28N ended up in an emergency situation during maneuvers at the Gorokhovets training grounds.</p> <p>Its heavy armour is one of the Mi-28N&rsquo;s important features, giving it a competitive edge over Russian and foreign counterparts. &ldquo;A crucial difference of the Mi-28N versus, say, the Apache, is that it is almost completely armour-clad. The pilot and operator&rsquo;s cockpits are completely protected, and the windows are armored. The same applies to the main units of the helicopter&ndash;&ndash;they are all protected: the engines, gear assembly, etc. The main rotor blades are designed to withstand hits from 30 mm guns,&rdquo; says Colonel Igor Butenko, deputy director of the Centre for Combat Training and Flight Personnel Training.  The developers used composite materials in the helicopter armour and in the production of other structural components.</p> <p><strong>Combat training aircraft</strong></p> <p>The big question, however, is: How netcentric is the Mi-28N?  &ldquo;We conducted flight tests of the Mi-28N to check its integratability into the common command and control system back in 2006, and we were among the first developers of combat aircraft in this area,&rdquo; explains Samusenko.  &ldquo;During those tests, we tackled complex tasks involving searching, detecting and identifying targets, and transmitting target data to other aircraft. The helicopter also received target information from ground facilities and used it to search for targets, and detect and destroy them.&rdquo;</p> <p>Naturally, the Night Hunter needs to have an adequate avionics complex that meets all modern requirements in order to efficiently complete the tasks outlined by the chief designer. The helicopter is, therefore, ready to operate in the network-centric warfare and easily competes with the U.S. Apache Longbow. The final decision on a complete integration of the machine in the &ldquo;network-centric contour&rdquo; will, however, be made by the customer &ndash;&ndash; the Russian Air Force command.</p> <p>Another issue that remains undecided is that of producing a training and combat Mi-28N version with dual controls. The issue was raised by Russian helicopter pilots, as it turned out that getting trained to fly the new helicopter was a challenging task, which was further complicated by the lack of dual controls, just as experts had predicted.</p> <p>According to the developer, design documentation for the Mi-28UB training and combat helicopter is complete, and Rostvertol is getting ready to implement the project and build the first prototype. The developer plans to launch the training and combat helicopter soon and conduct a series of tests to determine when the new modification of the Hunter will be delivered to the Russian military, which is replacing the second army aviation squadron fleet with the Mi-28N.</p> <p>Finally, Russian Helicopters Holding is working to promote the export version of the helicopter &ndash; the Mi-28NE &ndash; in the world market. Algeria and Venezuela have shown an active interest in the machine. The Mi-28NE participated in a series of show flights in Algeria in July 2007, in the desert during the hottest summer months. According to experts familiar with the situation, the Hunter successfully passed testing, which included the use of guided and unguided missiles, as well as gun and cannon armaments to hit real targets. Also in July 2007, when Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez  visited Russia, he displayed a strong interest in the helicopter. There was a good chance of supplying a batch of Mi-28NE helicopters to Libya, but the deal didn&rsquo;t work out. However, the export life of the Night Hunter is just beginning, and the good news is probably on the way.</p> <br /> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/2064.html Russian Helicopters signs $1.2 bln engine deal with Ukraine's Motor Sich <br /> <p>Russian Helicopters, which designs and manufactures civil and military rotorcraft, and Ukraine's Motor Sich engine-building firm have signed a $1.2 billion contract on the supply of Ukrainian engines for Russian commercial helicopters, Motor Sich head Vyacheslav Boguslayev said on Sunday.</p> <p>"We have for the first time signed a contract worth $1.2 billion for a period of five years. Neither we nor our Russian colleagues will be able to quit this contract under any scenario as it stipulates all legal consequences. On our part, we guarantee a qualitative fulfillment of this contract and on time," he said.</p> <p>The contract was signed in Dubai at a major airshow in the Middle East, which started on Sunday.</p> <p>The Dubai Airshow will be held on November 13-17 in the United Arab Emirates. The Airport Expo complex in Dubai is expected to host about 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries, which will showcase their products to more than 55,000 guests and visitors. Russia will demonstrate its most advanced combat aircraft and air defense systems at the airshow.</p> <p>The contract will also help Russia and Ukraine develop commercial helicopter-building in the next five years according to plan, Boguslayev said.</p> <p>"Engines will not be supplied under a state defense order. This contract is commercial. We'll supply 250-270 engines a year during five years," he said.</p> Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1998.html <p>IN A bid to consolidate their position in the Indian aviation market, a Russian aviation firm has opened a service centre near the national capital which will offer services for all type of civil Russian- made choppers.</p> <p align="left">IN A bid to consolidate their position in the Indian aviation market, a Russian aviation firm has opened a service centre near the national capital which will offer services for all type of civil Russian- made choppers.</p> <p align="left">The Indo- Russian maintenance and repair venture, Integrated Helicopter Services Private Ltd <nobr>( IHSPL)</nobr>, established by Russian Helicopters with the help of Indian company Vectra Group has come- up with the facility in Greater Noida.</p> <p align="left">A large contingent of Russian aviation firms are here in India to take part in the <nobr>Aero India 2011 international exhibition at Bangaluru</nobr>, which starts from February 9. &ldquo; The service centre, IHSPL will offer maintenance and repair services for the Indian fleet of Russia made helicopters,&rdquo; S. B. Prasher, chief executive officer <nobr>( CEO)</nobr>, IHSPL said.</p> <p align="left">"The opening of a service centre in India is a very important event for us," said <nobr>Dmitry Petrov, CEO, Russian Helicopters.</nobr></p> <p align="left">"We are planning to make this centre one of the key elements of our support network for existing Russia- made rotorcraft and Mi and Kamov helicopters delivered in the future to India and <nobr>South- East Asia</nobr> as a whole." The plans of the Indo- Russian joint venture IHSPL envision that the service centre will become the stronghold for warranty service of Russia- made rotorcraft in India.</p> <p align="left">The centre will offer Indian operators and state aviation organisations after sale service, as well as scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs of any Mi and Kamov helicopters.</p> Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1781.html Russian defence firm Oboronprom has identified India as its strategic partner and is ready to forge a long-term partnership with the country, according to a top company official. <p align="left">Russian defence firm Oboronprom has identified India as its strategic partner and is ready to forge a long-term partnership with the country, according to a top company official.</p> <p align="left">&laquo;Russian Helicopters Holding combining all the helicopter plants under the Oboronprom roof is to display its latest models at the Aero India 2011 show in Bangalore beginning on <nobr>February 9</nobr>, " Andrei Reus, CEO of Oboronprom Corporation, which specialises in the manufacture of helicopters and aircraft engines, told PTI.</p> <p align="left">He said India has a huge potential for the civilian and military rotor aircraft and Russia is going to display its multi-role light helicopter Kamov Ka-226T, medium haul Mi-17 class, all weather Kamov Ka -32A11BC and heavy lift Mi-26T2 civilian helicopters at the Bangalore air show.</p> <p align="left">The Night Hunter Mil M-28NE helicopter gunship is expected to attract interest at the air show as it has been already inducted by the Russian Army. Reus, an economics graduate from the Moscow State University, has held several key posts in the past including the deputy minister for Industry and Energy.</p> <p align="left">He believes that Russian helicopters and the United (aircraft) Engines have a great market potential in India, including in the joint production and export of cutting edge technology to other countries.</p> <p align="left">Reus said business growth in India is impossible without removing the hurdle of after sales service and Oboronprom has thus set up a service centre for Russian organ helicopters in Greater Noida, near New Delhi.</p> <p align="left">Besides Russian Helicopters, Oboronprom also combines the United Engines Corporation incorporating all the aircraft engine plants of Russia, including the Ufa engine plant, which has transferred sensitive technology for the production of engines for the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters under the Tot deal.</p> <p align="left"> Reus said Oboronprom has managed to overcome the trauma of the Soviet collapse and is ready to compete with its western partners at par. &laquo;Currently we are developing the engine for the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) to be jointly produced by India and Russia, we have also at advanced stages in the development of a new engine for the Indo-Russian muli-role transport aircraft (MTA) and Russia"s MS-21 airliner, " he said.</p> Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1780.html MOSCOW — The Russian air force is starting to field the Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter and also is augmenting other elements of its rotorcraft fleet. <p align="left">MOSCOW &mdash; The Russian air force is starting to field the Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter and also is augmenting other elements of its rotorcraft fleet.</p> <p align="left">On Dec. 28, the air force&rsquo;s 334th Tactical Deployment Center in Torzhok received three Ka-52s, the first from the preproduction batch of 12 helos being produced by the Arseniev-based Progress facility. The twin-seat Ka-52 is based on the single-seat Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark coaxial-rotor assault helicopter and will serve in the air force as a special mission rotorcraft.</p> <p align="left">Additionally, the Russian air force has expanded its arsenal with 10 Mil Mi-8AMTSh transport helicopters from the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. They are deployed to the Korenovsk airbase in the Krasnodar region in southern Russia. This is the second batch of Mi-8AMTSh helos received by the air force; the initial one was handed over in 2009. Ulan-Ude-parent Russian Helicopters says talks are now underway to specify the size of the Mi-8 order for this year.</p> <p align="left">The Mi-8AMTSh has a maximum payload of 4,000 kg. (8,800 lb.) and can accommodate up to 37 armed personnel or 12 litters for casualty evacuation. Despite its primary role as a transport aircraft, the AMTSh version has the same set of weapons as the Mi-24 attack helicopter, including the Shturm-V (AT-6) radio-guided anti-tank missile, unguided rockets, gun pods and machine guns. According to Russian Helicopters, the air force helos come equipped with additional armor and new avionics to permit day and night operations in adverse weather.</p> <p align="left">The helo deliveries are backed with the purchases of training equipment. As of the end of December, the Zhukovsky-based Dinamika company handed over two Mi-8MTV-5 flight simulators to the air force. One of them has already been passed on to the Syzran air force academy, while the other is due to be accepted by the 7th aerospace defense brigade airbase in Budennovsk, in the Stavropol region, on Jan. 7.</p> Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1775.html The Ka-32A11BC, the Russian civil all-weather coaxial helicopter, has been certified for operations in India. <p align="left">The Ka-32A11BC, the Russian civil all-weather coaxial helicopter, has been certified for operations in India.</p> <p align="left">The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of India (DGCA) allowed operations on the basis of the certificate issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).</p> <p align="left">EASA issued a standard EASA.IM.R.133 certificate for the Ka-32A11BC in 2009. The certificate allows any company to commercially operate the helicopter. In 2008 the Ka-32A11BC was certified in China, Indonesia, and South Korea. In 2005 it received Mexican certification.</p> <p align="left">The helicopter received a supplement to the airworthiness certificate in 2006 in Canada. This allowed the helicopter to carry corporate passengers (the Canadian certificate itself was issued in 1998). The certification procedure for the Ka-32A11BC has also been started in Brazil.</p> <p align="left">Thus the Ka-32A11BC has been certificated in the world's major regions: in America, Europe, and Asia. Ka-32A11BC helicopters of various modifications are successfully operated in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China, and other countries.</p> <p align="left">In July 2010 the Russian helicopter industry holding Russian Helicopters, a part of United Industrial Corporation Oboronprom, signed a contract with the Indian company Global Vectra Helicorp on the delivery of a Ka-32A11 helicopter.</p> <p align="left">Unlike the Mi-17, traditional for the Indian market, the Ka-32A11BC will make its debut in the region. Global Vectra Helicorp is planning to use the Russian rotorcraft for cargo transportation and construction work in the civilian segment. The Ka-32A11BC is scheduled for delivery to India in 2011.</p> <p align="left">The Ka-32A11BC is a multi-role variation of the Ka-32A. The helicopter is unique in its ability to carry loads on an external sling and as a crane for the construction of tall structures. The coaxial rotors of the Ka-32A11BC have a number of advantages in stabilising the helicopter and adding to its manoeuvrability, which enable it to perform complex construction tasks with high precision. The Ka-32A11BC can perform a wide range of tasks, including horizontal firefighting at high altitudes.</p> <p align="left">The Ka-32A11BC was designed by the Kamov design bureau, a part of the Russian Helicopters industry holding. Mass production is based at the aviation plant in Kumertau. Over 140 have been built, and about half of these are in operation in over 30 countries worldwide.</p> Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0300 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1779.html MOSCOW — The popularity of the Mil Mi-17 Hip helicopter for operations in Afghanistan is driving up prices for used versions and has created an order surge for manufacturer Russian Helicopters. <p align="left">MOSCOW &mdash; The popularity of the Mil Mi-17 Hip helicopter for operations in Afghanistan is driving up prices for used versions and has created an order surge for manufacturer Russian Helicopters.</p> <p align="left">About 300 Mil Mi-8MTs (known as Mi-17s in the export market) are deployed in Afghanistan with international coalition forces, private contractors or under U.N. contracts, according to Russian experts. Some Russian companies, such as UTair Aviation, operate Mi-8MTs under U.N. contracts in many other regions.</p> <p align="left">UTair, which is the largest Russian helo carrier, recently increased its Hip fleet with an order for 40 Mi-171s. Deliveries should be completed this year.</p> <p align="left">The effect has to been to put pressure on the Russian market, where the Mi-8 remains the most widely used rotorcraft.</p> <div align="left"><b>High demand</b></div> <p align="left">The high demand affects only the latest version of the family, the Mi-8MT, because of its ability to operate in hot and high conditions. Compared with the earlier Mi-8T, the Mi-8MT has more powerful TV3-117 turboshaft engines, a new gearbox, improved tail rotor and control linkage, and extended fuel tanks. These upgrades increased Mi-8MT payload capacity by 1 metric ton as well as the operational ceiling. Production of this version was launched in 1977, but the design received an update in the late 1980s (the Mi-8MTV) for high-altitude operations.</p> <p align="left">&ldquo;It is impossible to buy this modification on the pre-owned market,&rdquo; one Russian helicopter dealer tells AVIATION WEEK.</p> <p align="left">Two years ago, a pre-owned Mi-8MT could be bought on the Russian market for $4-4.2 million, but now the average price for such rotorcraft is around $6.5 million, he says.</p> <p align="left">The high demand for Mi-8MTs on the pre-owned market is amplified by the shortage and high price tag for the new rotorcraft. Russian Helicopters, a holding that controls the national helicopter industry, rolled out 139 Hip versions in 2009, and CEO Andrei Shibitov says his production facilities are booked with orders until 2012. For the last three years, the price of the newly assembled Mi-8 rose to $9-10 million from $3.5 million.</p> <p align="left">However, the price increases could level off as demand in Afghanistan slows. &ldquo;They will hardly grow further as the current price levels already raise questions about the operational profitability&rdquo; of using the Mi-17, says Dmitry Ermilov, deputy head of Soyuzavia, a Moscow-based aircraft dealer.</p> <div align="left"><b>Strong market</b></div> <p align="left">Nevertheless, the market is unlikely to collapse if the Afghan conflict ends. Boris Bychkov, director general of Airclaims CIS, projects that demand inside Russia from the oil and gas sector will help ensure long-term demand.</p> <p align="left">At the beginning of 2010, there were more than 1,159 Mi-8 family helos registered in Russia, comprising almost 55% of the country&rsquo;s commercial rotorcraft fleet.</p> <p align="left">Of those, 770 were operational and logged 87% of total flight time of all Russian-made helicopters on the local market during the mid-2008 to mid-2009 period.</p> <p align="left">Russia has an ample supply of earlier Mi-8 versions, but they have limited applications in Afghanistan and operate mostly in Russia owing to the low power provided by the TV2-117A engines.</p> <p align="left">Local pre-owned market demand is not large, but Ermilov notes that a rotorcraft assembled in the late 1980s or early 1990s in good condition can be purchased for $1.2-2 million. The operational life of this version is limited to 35 years, although the Mil design bureau can extend it to 40 years in some cases.</p> Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1778.html The Defence Ministry has signed a contract to purchase two Russian Mi-17 multipurpose transport helicopters to be used in logistic operations at the Argentine Antarctic bases and also for rescue efforts. <p align="left">The Defence Ministry has signed a contract to purchase two Russian Mi-17 multipurpose transport helicopters to be used in logistic operations at the Argentine Antarctic bases and also for rescue efforts.</p> <p align="left">The agreement was signed last night by the Argentine delegation, headed by the Defence Ministry's Secretary of Planning Oscar Cuattromo; the ministry's cabinet chief, Raul Garre; and the commander of the Argentine Air Force, General Normando Costantino.</p> <p align="left">The Russian delegation was led by the Russian Embassy's charge d'affaires, Igor Romanchenko, and the representatives of the Russian company (Rosoboronexport) in this country, Alexander Scherbirin and Anatoly Zuev, the Argentine Defence Ministry reported in a communique.</p> <p align="left">The Mi-17 heavy helicopters, which will become part of the Argentine Air Force's equipment, have the capability of transporting up to 26 seated passengers or a load of up to five tons. They have floats for use in emergency landings, a loading crane for loading or unloading equipment from ships, and supplemental fuel tanks for long-range operations. They will be used primarily for Antarctic operations.</p> <p align="left">The acquisition of these helicopters was done through the modality of "government to government" contracting. The operation was conducted with the governmental organization Rosoboronexport, which handles [exports from] all of the Russian Federation's defence firms.</p> <p align="left">The contract also includes training for crewmembers and mechanics. It is estimated that the two helicopters will be in Argentina in September 2011.</p> <p align="left">The Russian delegation hailed what it called "the first actual phase of military cooperation between our two countries," saying that they "hope that other possibilities will also open up," and indicated that "many Latin American countries are using these helicopters."</p> <p align="left">Raul Garre said that "a Russian credit programme will soon be in effect for signing a new contract that will make it possible for us to purchase three more Mi-17 helicopters." Garre also spoke of the visit by Defence Minister Nilda Garre to the Russian Federation in October 2006. That was the first visit by an Argentine defence minister to Moscow.</p> <p align="left">Air Force General Costantino observed that "this is the first time that the Argentine Air Force will be using Russian equipment." He added that they are "very pleased with the purchase of these helicopters, since Argentina's earlier heavy helicopters - US-made Chinooks - were removed from service many years ago."</p> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1777.html LA PAZ, Aug. 27 &#40;Xinhua&#41; -- The Bolivian government announced Friday a plan to purchase six Russian helicopters for disaster relief in case of flooding, drought or forest fires. <p align="left">LA PAZ, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Bolivian government announced Friday a plan to purchase six Russian helicopters for disaster relief in case of flooding, drought or forest fires.</p> <p align="left">"We need these helicopters to help us in these disasters," Defense Minister Ruben Saavedar said in a statement.</p> <p align="left">"Each year there are more frequent and worse effects of natural disasters due to the climate change and there is an increase in the temperature produced by irrational industrialization policies in some developed countries."</p> <p align="left">Since January, Bolivia has been making procedures to purchase these helicopters, which will also be used for combating the drug trafficking, the minister added.</p> <p align="left">The purchase will be completed early next year once the government's budget is approved. Bolivia is also planning to purchase hydroplanes to fight forest fires and lighten the droughts, but the decision hasn't been made.</p> Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1776.html At the second international helicopter exhibition in Russia, the country&#39;s top chopper manufacturers have announced ambitious plans: to challenge the airplane. <p align="left">At the second international helicopter exhibition in Russia, the country's top chopper manufacturers have announced ambitious plans: to challenge the airplane.</p> <p align="left">Ever since man reached for the skies, helicopters have faced this task &ndash; but have come off second-best.</p> <p align="left">Doing so now will require nothing less than revolutionizing design and breaking speed records.</p> <p align="left">This is necessary because despite such advantages as hovering or vertical take off and landing, choppers have always lagged behind &ndash; never matching planes for speed and range.</p> <p align="left">Even modern average helicopters can only cover a maximum of around five hundred kilometres &ndash; with top speeds of 350 km/h.</p> <p align="left">Russia has always been at the forefront of helicopter design. But the next step to create an ultra high-speed helicopter will need all the ingenuity and expertise Russia can muster.</p> <p align="left">Helicopter manufacturers are now hungry to go beyond these limits.</p> <p align="left">&ldquo;Modern helicopters are throttled by the overhead rotor that gives height and speed at the same time. This physically limits the possible speed of the machine. We now propose that it should have a separate horizontal throttle. This should open many new opportunities,&rdquo; the Mil helicopter factory&rsquo;s Constructor General Nikolai Pavlenko says.</p> <p align="left">It's expected that the new design concept will allow the next breed of choppers break the 500km/h speed barrier with a range of around fifteen hundred kilometres.</p> <p align="left">But getting there &ndash; in engineering terms &ndash; will be no picnic. It's a huge challenge.</p> <p align="left">&ldquo;In a nutshell we are speaking of a revolution in helicopter design &ndash; a new generation of chopper. This will require radical improvements in aerodynamics. Helicopters will need to be made of new materials and entirely new design schemes. But I think we are now ready for this task,&rdquo; Kamov helicopter factory&rsquo;s Constructor General, Sergey Mikheev says.</p> <p align="left">Manufacturers hope to solve these engineering challenges in the next 5 to 7 years. Their aim will be to provide serious competition to regional airliners.</p> <p align="left">&ldquo;We are now consolidating the helicopter industry in Russia. This should help concentrate finances and human resources on the most important projects, just like the one we would like to present you today. It's the ultra high-speed helicopter,&rdquo; Russian Helicopters CEO Andrei Shibitov says.</p> Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1773.html While Russia’s automakers struggle to keep assembly lines running, its helicopters are high in demand. Production is growing 60&#37; a year. But it’s hit slight a patch of turbulence with the global crisis. <p align="left">While Russia&rsquo;s automakers struggle to keep assembly lines running, its helicopters are high in demand. Production is growing 60% a year. But it&rsquo;s hit slight a patch of turbulence with the global crisis.</p> <p align="left">There&rsquo;s plenty to boast about for representatives of almost 150 companies attending the HeliRussia exhibition. They come from a dozen countries, to showcase everything from light choppers for air taxis to heavy-bodied rescue machines.</p> <p align="left">The Russian Helicopters holding, which unites the national sector, says orders are coming in by the minute. In 2008 the company built 169 machines, 59% more than the year before, and this year, production is to grow another 74%.</p> <p align="left">But Andrey Shibitov, CEO of Russian Helicopters, says the credit crunch is slowing growth.</p> <p align="left">&ldquo;Right now we have around 4% of the global market. By the end of this year we&rsquo;re aiming at around 6%. But with the financial crisis, it&rsquo;s hard to borrow at high rates. However we are expecting government support, 30 billion roubles for 2 years.&rdquo;</p> <p align="left">Russia used to export almost 90% of its choppers, but over the past 3 years, that&rsquo;s descended to 60%. More orders are coming from the oil and gas sector, where helicopters are needed to service refineries.</p> <p align="left">Eurocopter, the world&rsquo;s leading chopper maker, says 70% of its orders in Russia are for private use. The financial crisis has affected demand, the company says, but the bad credit market is not a problem, according to Eurocopter Vostok CEO, Jerome Noulens.</p> <p align="left">&ldquo;We have implemented a system of leasing of helicopters. I was quite surprised and pleased to see how fast we could solve this issue. So finding credit for Russia was not a major issue for us.&rdquo;</p> <p align="left">Rosoboronexport, the federal military hardware exporter, says it&rsquo;s pleased with the current market. Clients have become modest with order volumes, but Sergey Kornev says the number of orders is rising.</p> <p align="left">&ldquo;The life-span of choppers purchased in Soviet times is coming to an end, so our clients are purchasing new ones. You should see our world map of ongoing and planned orders, it&rsquo;s covered in pins from East to West.&rdquo;</p> <p align="left">When a KA-52 Alligator was landing ahead of the HeliRussia exhibition, traffic on a nearby highway was paralyzed as drivers gaped in awe. It&rsquo;s flying beasts like these which have made Russian-made helicopters world-famous, and the industry one of the most successful in Russian machine building, able to withstand the turbulence of this crisis. </p> Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0400 http://russianhelicopters.aero/en/press/publications/1774.html Ahead of the HeliRussia exhibition in Moscow RT spoke with Russian Helicopters boss Andrei Shibitov, as the state run corporation looks for crucial orders, starting with the company’s collaboration with AgustaWestland. <p align="left">Ahead of the HeliRussia exhibition in Moscow RT spoke with Russian Helicopters boss Andrei Shibitov, as the state run corporation looks for crucial orders, starting with the company&rsquo;s collaboration with AgustaWestland. </p> <div align="left"> <br /> </div> <div align="left"> </div> <p align="left"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AS:</span> &ldquo;Our collaboration with AgustaWestland is, by all means, very dynamic and close. We have good mutual understanding. And although at the global level we are competitors, since both of us are producing good-quality helicopters, our common interests allow us to realize mutually beneficial projects. This includes the creation of a licensed manufacture of AgustaWestland 139 helicopters in Russia. We are about to sign a license agreement and there's already a special site for it allocated formally and physically on the territory of the Moscow helicopter plant. So I think that the project will be carried out within the timeline defined in the agreements signed earlier.&rdquo; </p> <p align="left"></p> <div align="left"> </div> <p align="left"><span style="font-weight: bold;">RT:</span> Are there plans to break into the European market or are you looking to concentrate on the Asian and CIS markets mainly? </p> <p align="left"></p> <div align="left"> </div> <p align="left"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AS:</span> &ldquo;On today's market we mostly work with the models that were designed and produced in the Soviet period. That's why our main task is to keep the markets we already have: traditionally, it's been India, China, Africa and, partly, Southeast Asia; we also aim at broadening our presence on the Latin-American market, getting stronger in Southeast Asia and, by no means, losing neither India nor China. Talking about the nearest future, our task is to launch such new models as MI-38, KA-62, ANSAT and KA-226T (in the 3.5-ton range), thus broadening our regional markets and market categories. As for our plans for 2014-2015, our goal is to enter the European market with models that can and will be certified according to European Standards.&rdquo; </p> <p align="left"></p> <div align="left"> </div> <p align="left"><span style="font-weight: bold;">RT:</span> What is your estimation, how do you think the Russian helicopter market will develop? </p> <div align="left"> </div> <p align="left"></p> <div align="left"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AS:</span> &ldquo;One of the problems for helicopter market development in Russia is restrictions on flying. Taking in consideration the dynamic of the changes that we are seeing in the world, and the share of business aviation in the market, I think that Russia will not stay behind and in 2-3 years the problem will be resolved.&rdquo;</div> Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 +0400