Russia's Kazan Helicopters plans to fly its Aktai three-seat training helicopter "early in 2004", after further ground tests. The company is aiming for Russian, followed by European, certification.

The Aktai will cost "less than $950,000", Kazan says, and will be powered by a single 270shp (200kW) VAZ 4256 turboshaft. The trainer has a single three-bladed rotor and twin-bladed tailrotor. It has a maximum take-off weight of 1,150kg (2,530lb), a maximum speed of 97kt (180km/h) and ceiling of 13,000ft (4,000m).

Source: Flight International