Russian Helicopters Exposition at European AIRTEC 2009

Russian Helicopters showcased a Russian-made helicopter lineup at the international airspace supply fair AIRTEC 2009 that kicked off today in Frankfurt.

Russian specialists from the holding have spoken to potential European customers and existing regional partners on the advantages of popular Russian multi-role helicopters such as the Mi-17, special capabilities of the recently EASA-certified Ka-32A11BC and ways of employing the multi-role Mi-38 that is awaiting mass production. Exhibition visitors were shown mock-ups of the new light Ka-226T and Ansat helicopters.

“Today we offer our customers a wide range of helicopters – light, medium, heavy... any type,” Russian Helicopters CEO Andrei Shibitov said. “Participation in exhibitions, including those in Europe, is a marketing must for a modern global helicopter-building company. Promotion to the European market and North America, holding over 50% of global helicopter sales, will ensure dynamic growth of Russian Helicopters on new markets while keeping positions on traditional ones.”

Russian Helicopters offers its customers anywhere in the world the Mi-17 family of helicopters, including those with a glass cockpit. This concept is under way thanks to an integrated on-board systems complex IBKV-17 created by the Russian Tranzas. IBKV-17 broadens the range of capabilities, reducing operational limitations and crew load through automatisation of many navigation and piloting tasks.

Russian Helicopters is continuing modernization cooperation with Tranzas, Russian Avionics, and the Ramenskoe Instrument Design Bureau (RPKB). The use of IBKV-17 and the high quality of the modernised Mi-8/17 are expected to boost Russian Helicopters sales on both traditional and new markets, including the European market if certification is granted as it was with another Russian-made model – the Ka-32A11BC.

EASA has certified the all-weather multi-role Ka-32A11BC helicopter for operation in EU countries.

At the end of September 2009 on the input of the Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Registry the European Aviation Safety Agency certified the all-weather multi-role Ka-32A11BC helicopter for operation in EU countries. EASA is the civil aviation safety watchdog for the EU. It has issued type certificate EASA.IM.R.133 for the Ka-32A11BC that will allow any EU operator to commercially fly the Russian helicopter.

The all-weather multi-role Ka-32A11BC boasts trademark Kamov coaxial rotors and is fit for a variety of tasks including transportation of people and loads, high-rise construction, patrolling, and search & rescue operations.

The new transport Mi-38, also showcased at AIRTEC 2009, is designed for transportation of people and cargo, forestry, construction, loading, search & rescue, and first response operations, medevac, geologic exploration, and a comfortable corporate transport for 20—30 passengers.

The multi-role Ka-226T is also a transport helicopter and may be employed for police and medevac purposes and pipeline patrol. The helicopters are well-equipped to monitor forest areas and power lines. Traditional Kamov coaxial rotors ensure its operation ceiling and payload advantages. Separate cabin modules can be installed for various tasks performed by the Ka-226T.

The light Ansat, also on display, has a roomy passenger cabin that can house various equipment at the customer’s request. The Ansat can be used as a transport, passenger, or medical helicopter. Firefighting, rescue, and police forces will also benefit from its capabilities. Besides, it can serve as a modern corporate helicopter. Additional fuel tanks may be installed for increased range.