Russian Helicopters, AVIC sign framework agreement for AHL
Russian Helicopters and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) have signed a framework agreement to develop a heavy-lift helicopter called the Advanced Heavy Lift (AHL) in China.
The two companies will work together on all areas of development and preparation to launch serial production of the new aircraft in anticipation of capturing growing demand for heavy lift helicopters in China.
With the preliminary technical specifications of the AHL now drawn up, the companies are currently working on finalising its figure, with a general contract expected to be signed later in 2015.
The AHL is planned to have a take-off weight of 38 tonnes, a cargo-carrying capacity inside the cabin of 10 tonnes, and the capacity to carry 15 tonnes on an external sling. It will be designed to operate in various weather conditions and terrains, and fly various missions ranging from transportation to medical evacuation and firefighting.
Alexander Mikheev, CEO, Russian Helicopters, said: 'China is one of the fastest-growing helicopter markets worldwide, and we are interested in establishing long-term multilateral strategic relations with China so that both sides benefit from working together on helicopter-building projects.'
Lin Zuoming, chairman of the board of directors, AVIC, said: 'Russian Helicopters is uniquely well-qualified when it comes to building heavy-lift helicopters.
'The legendary Mi-26 type helicopters, for example, have no equals, and the Mi-26TS played an important role in the aftermath of earthquakes in Sichuan province in 2008 and 2013. I believe that working together with Russian Helicopters to create an advanced heavy-lift helicopter will prove to be a productive project and one that will have a positive influence on the development of China’s helicopter industry.'
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