VR-Technologies, part of Russian Helicopters, has conducted the first flight of its unmanned tiltrotor testbed aircraft at the Skolkovo Innovation Centre, the company announced on 17 February.
The project to develop the aircraft is a part of Russian Helicopters’ Speed programme. The unmanned tiltrotor is being designed to conduct missions including aerial photography, medical supply transport, oil and gas facility monitoring, and environmental tasks.
A tiltrotor design has been selected for the project as it allows the aircraft to make vertical landings and take-offs on restricted landing pads while transporting cargo or passengers.
Alexander Okhonko, chief executive officer, VR-Technologies, said: ‘The development of the unique aircraft started in 2015. Since then, we have achieved significant results and have already started the first stage of flight tests.’
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