Russian Helicopters is showcasing its line up of new models that it plans to launch by 2015 as well as its existing range of civil and military types already in production here at the show, says Andrei Shibitov, chief operating officer of the holding that has consolidated all the country's helicopter companies into one enterprise.

"Within the '2015 Projects' programme the holding company will demonstrate the Mi-34C1(C2), Ansat, Ka-226T, Ka-62, Mi-38 - all of them have benefited from the latest advancements in helicopter technology, including state-of-the-art avionics, noise reduction, and eco-friendly solutions," he says.

"The project to create the medium multi-role Mi-38 has reached a new stage. Russian Helicopters is completing the second prototype with experimental XPW127/5 engines by Pratt & Whitney Canada. The helicopter is equipped with the modern IBKV-38 avionics suite made by Tranzas - a glass cockpit solution. Testing of the second Mi-38 prototype is scheduled to begin in mid-2010.

Mi-38
 © Russian Helicopters

"The light multi-role Ka-226T equipped with Turbomeca engines has successfully passed the winter test stage in India in January-February 2010. All helicopter tests, including those in the difficult high-mountain conditions, were successful. After this, the Ka-226T successfully passed the high temperature test stage. After the flight-test stage is over in India, the helicopter will return to Russia in September for certification testing.

"As for the new medium multi-role Ka-62, Russian Helicopters is currently determining the supplier of engines for this model," says Shibitov. Turbomeca's Ardiden 3G, the NPO Saturn RD-600V and engine from Ukrainian Motor-Sich and Pratt & Whitney Canada are possible candidates, he says.

In the Ansat programme, Russian Helicopters has delivered four trainer Ansat-Us this year to the Russian ministry of defence, and it will deliver six more in 2011.

Russian Helicopters enterprises delivered 183 helicopters in 2009 with sales up by 8.3% by year-end, says Shibitov. "The holding plans to increase production and deliver 214 units in 2010. We are planning to maintain this growth rate in 2011."

  • All the latest news, video and images from the 2010 Farnborough air show - New this year, live streaming video of each day's flying display
  • Source: Flight Daily News