Trends in the development of helicopter technology require developers to deeply solve problems related to aerodynamics, improving flight performance (speed, range, flight duration), as well as operational and functional characteristics responsible for flight safety. In recent years, the developers of rotorcraft have also faced the task of ensuring transport accessibility and transportation to remote regions of Russia. Comprehensive training of specialists for the creation of rotorcraft of a new generation is carried out at the updated department 102 "Helicopter Design" of the Institute No. 1 "Aviation Technology" of the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) in the interests of the Russian Helicopters holding Company of the Rostec State Corporation.
Today, the Department of Helicopter Design at MAI meets the current trends in the development of helicopter technology for the future up to 2050. Its main task was to create a modern scientific and educational environment on a single integrated design and research platform of the department and JSC NCV Mil and Kamov (part of the Russian Helicopters holding). The department was headed by Deputy Executive Director for Science and Innovative Development of JSC NCV Mil and Kamov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Alexander Belsky.
"MAI has a rich history in training first-class aviation specialists and is a center of academic and technological excellence. Rostec Corporation and the Moscow Aviation Institute have built a long-term, fruitful cooperation. For MAI students and researchers, this partnership provides a unique opportunity to work on real-world tasks and contribute to cutting-edge technologies. Joint research activities are focused on various areas, such as the development of new technologies and materials for aviation, improving flight safety and efficiency, researching future trends in aviation, as well as work on space technologies. The work at the Helicopter Design Department is based on the improvement of educational, research and innovation areas," said Elena Druzhinina, Managing Director for Science and Business Cooperation at Rostec State Corporation.
The specialists of the department are engaged in conducting aerodynamic calculations, forming structural and layout solutions for the technical appearance of helicopters, special calculations for critical modes of operation of equipment, for example, disruptive flow of blades, left rotation, landing on deck, etc.
"The training of highly qualified specialists capable of becoming leaders of changes in the aerospace industry is a complex task that can be solved only in the constant interaction of the education system with the industry. This principle underlies MAI's educational approaches. Close cooperation with the industry allows our students to immerse themselves in real tasks and projects already at the learning stage, gaining the competencies that they will need in their professional activities. It is important to note that today the product is not an aircraft, but the entire life cycle of the product. And graduates are required to be able to manage the entire life cycle: it is necessary at the initial stage to assess the cost and operational capabilities of the aircraft, to create a service system. In this direction, we are working with our partners in the implementation of educational programs of the department," says Mikhail Poghosyan, Rector of MAI, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
In 2024-2025, four new laboratories are planned to be created at the department: on aerodynamics and flight dynamics of rotary-wing aircraft, on combined electric power plants and transmissions, on integrated diagnostic and prognostic systems for the technical condition of rotary-wing aircraft and on integrated control systems.
In order to improve the educational process, organize and conduct scientific and pre-design research in 2023, Russian Helicopters Holding transferred samples of modern helicopter technology for placement in the laboratory building of the MAI department: Ansat helicopter (Kazan Helicopter Plant JSC), Ka-226T helicopter (NCV Miles and Kamov JSC), the cabin of the Mi-38 helicopter (JSC NCV Mil and Kamov), which models the cabin of the Mi-28 helicopter. All samples are functional and will be used in both educational and scientific activities of the department.
The specialists of the department also have big plans to expand cooperation with research centers of other universities. Preliminary discussions are already underway on joint work with MIPT regarding the introduction of artificial intelligence and neural network technologies into promising helicopter avionics systems, with the Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. Bauman in terms of the introduction of multispectral combined systems of technical vision and robotization of helicopter complexes, with Lomonosov Moscow State University in terms of the development of mathematical apparatus for use in numerical methods in aerodynamic and strength calculations.
In addition, two new programs of additional professional education have already been prepared: "Design, aerodynamics and strength of rotorcraft of classic and promising schemes" and "Life cycle stages of modern and rotorcraft aircraft".
"In 2025-2026, these additional education programs will be updated and expanded in accordance with the trends in the development of rotorcraft and its operational requirements. Taking into account the further development of the Department 102 in 2025-2027, MAI has plans to develop branches of the Department 102 in the interests of Rostvertol PJSC and AAK Progress JSC, as well as KumAPP JSC. All enterprises are serial plants of the Russian Helicopters holding company," says Alexander Belsky.
Together with JSC NCV Miles and Kamov, a student research and design bureau will be formed at the department, where comprehensive pre-design studies and research projects on the formation of the appearance of promising unmanned and optionally manned helicopters will be carried out. In addition, it is planned to significantly expand the educational and methodological activities of the department in the field of both basic education and additional professional education. It is also planned to actively participate in the process of shaping the appearance of the high–speed VKLA line, the development of which began at NCV Miles and Kamov JSC.