In the first quarter of the year, Russian Helicopters Holding, one of the world leaders in the creation of rotorcraft, has already managed to please with interesting helicopter−related news. Foreign screenings, test drives, plans for new equipment and large-scale deliveries – read about it in our material.
Rotorcraft premiere of IDEX
At the IDEX International Arms Exhibition, which this year was held in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) in February, Rostec's helicopter direction was widely represented. The medium multi-purpose Ka-62, the upgraded Ka-226T and the offshore Mi-171A3 were demonstrated in the full-scale exposition.
The latest model was shown abroad for the first time, so a little more about it. The Mi-171A3 is the newest helicopter of the Mi-8 family. The main feature of the rotorcraft is the possibility of using it for offshore operations. In other words, the aircraft can travel long distances over the water surface, is suitable for servicing offshore oil platforms – cargo and people delivery, search and rescue of victims. To do this, helicopters are equipped with special equipment necessary for operations in marine conditions, for example, an emergency landing system.
Photo: Alexander Utkin / Russian Helicopters This is the first Russian helicopter that meets the strict international requirements of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers IOGP.
At the same time, such a model was developed by the Russian Helicopters holding company in the shortest possible time – in just three years.
The Mi-171A3 can carry up to 4 tons of cargo or 24 passengers, with the installation of additional tanks, it can travel up to 1000 km without refueling. The helicopter is equipped with the most modern on-board equipment that ensures safe flights over the sea in poor visibility conditions. The Russian VK-2500PS-03 engine with the BARK-6V-7C automatic control and control system manufactured by UEC-Klimov is adapted to work in various climatic zones – from the tropics to the Arctic. The Mi-171A3 will be mass-produced at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.
Transformer for agriculture
The VIP version of the Ka-226T multipurpose helicopter has also become a kind of novelty - with an increased comfort cabin, this rotorcraft was presented for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
The Ka-226T is called a transformer helicopter because of its modular design, when modules for various purposes can be used in one car: passenger, cargo, medical, search and rescue. One of the advantages of such a design is versatility and cost–effectiveness, thanks to the possibility of all-season use of the helicopter. In the version for farmers there will be a module with sprayers for aircraft processing and other useful additions.
Photo: Alexander Utkin / Russian HelicoptersEarlier this year, an agreement was signed between Russian Helicopters and the Aerohimflot aviation alliance, which is engaged in aviation-chemical, forest-aviation and transport-communication works.
The parties agreed to create a specialized version of the machine designed to perform agricultural work. Aerohimflot will be able to use the new modification of the Ka-226T in 2025.
The Ka-226T's predecessor, the Ka-26 helicopter, was also actively used in agriculture. The proprietary coaxial scheme of the propellers makes these helicopters highly maneuverable, stable and easy to operate, which is very important for agricultural work, especially in areas with difficult terrain, such as steep-sloping vineyards. The updated Russian helicopter will be equipped with the latest VK-650V engines manufactured by UEC-Klimov.
The "Eight" will fly to the regions
Mi-8 helicopters have been connecting the cities of our country with remote settlements for decades, where there is often no other transport. Work on the development of local transportation – passenger and freight – continues. In February, the Russian Helicopters Holding Company signed an agreement with the State Transport Leasing Company (STLC) for the supply of 86 Mi-8 helicopters, which will be carried out in the next three years.
The helicopters will be delivered to the customer in a universal transport modification. For the transportation of goods, the "eight" will be equipped with nodes for attaching an external suspension system. It is also possible to install medical modules, which will allow the use of helicopters for medical evacuation of patients and victims. Thanks to additional fuel tanks, the flight range can be increased to 1265 km.
Photo: Russian HelicoptersSince 2017, Russian Helicopters has already transferred 132 vehicles to GTLK, Russia's largest leasing company: 51 Mi–8MTV–1 helicopters, 49 Mi-8AMT helicopters and 32 Ansat helicopters.
Rostec's air transport delivers cargo and passengers, extinguishes fires, and works as part of air ambulance in all regions of the country.
BAS-200 goes beyond the Arctic Circle
The Russian Helicopters Holding Company continues testing an unmanned helicopter-type aviation system, and now the BAS−200 has flown to the Arctic Circle - to the area of the city of Salekhard in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
The BAS-200 became the first heavy Russian drone to make a test delivery of cargo in the conditions of the Far North. This event confirmed the operability of Rostec drones even in high latitudes, at low temperatures, high humidity and in conditions of poor visibility. The BAS-200 performed a series of high-intensity flights with a payload of more than 18 kg. Each time, an unmanned helicopter delivered about 10 kg of mail from Salekhard across the Ob River to Labytnangi, while the total payload exceeded 18.5 kg (8.5 kg was the weight of the transport container).
Photo: Russian HelicoptersThe main advantage of a helicopter–type UAV over an airplane is the ability to use it on almost any site.
In addition, the rotary-winged UAV is more resistant to wind. Today, work continues to expand the operational capabilities of the BAS-200.
