BEIJING: Russian Helicopters, JCS, represents the entire Russian helicopter industry and offers a wide range of light, midsize and heavy helicopters to its clients in China and worldwide. Stable demand for the most popular Mi-8/17 and heavy Mi-26TC helicopters makes the Chinese market a top priority in the sales strategy of Russian Helicopters.
The entire Russian helicopter industry is represented by a unified Russian Helicopters exposition at Aviation Expo/China 2009 that opened earlier today. “Mi” and “Ka” helicopter models are of high demand in different segments of the Chinese economy and Russian Helicopters expects demand to increase in heavy and midsize classes.
The lineup of Russian-made helicopters is composed in accordance with the wide range of modern helicopter duties: from civil passenger transportation and commercial operations to combat flights to special missions in natural disasters. Easy to operate, reliable and easy to maintain, featuring unique cargo capacity and a high operational ceiling, Russian-made helicopters are the attractive solution for operation in countries with harsh weather conditions and in mountainous terrains.
The industry consolidation, as a result of which a unified industry group under Russian Helicopter management was established, is now carried forward by setting up a global technical support network with the transition from only product sales to a lifecycle sales pattern. This is most important for Asian markets and particularly for China because a sales increase on this market is possible only upon establishing of modern after sales support system.
“Russian Helicopters products are in operation in 100 countries all over the world and the company is heavily participating in the globalization process through wide international cooperation with foreign partners and, most importantly, Chinese partners,” says Andrei Shibitov, CEO, Russian Helicopters. “Current development of the world helicopter market requires close cooperation with foreign helicopter structures and components manufacturers and efficient sales expansion is rather difficult without this. It’s just illogical in a period of total globalization. I mean avionics, control, and safety systems first of all. Among joint programs of new helicopter development Russian Helicopters considers cooperation with Chinese partners on AHL (Advanced Heavy-Lifter) development as one of its top priorities.”
Russian Helicopters is preparing for delivery or is already delivering new helicopter models of all classes for civil operators. They are the Ka-226/Ka-226T and the Ansat in the light segment, the Ka-32A11BC in the midsize segment, and the Mi-171, Mi-38, and Mi-26TC in the heavy class. These helicopters can be operated as passenger, cargo, search and rescue, patrol, and fire-fighting aircraft.
In particular, multi-role Ka-226/Ka-226T helicopters are tailored for passenger and cargo transportation, they can also be used in the law-enforcement segment, for medical evacuation, and as patrol aircraft for major oil pipelines. These helicopters are well-suited for patrolling over forests and electrical transmission lines. Kamov’s traditional coaxial design ensures Ka-226/Ka-226T flight level and cargo performance advantages. The target application of the Ka-226/Ka-226T defines which interchangeable cabin module featuring what equipment is to be used.
The Ansat light helicopter features a spacious passenger/cargo cabin where any equipment preferred by the customers can easily be installed. The Ansat can be equipped with an emergency water landing system, a searchlight, a capstan, firefighting and dusting equipment. Additional fuel tanks are also an option ensuring an extended range. This is a very important feature keeping in mind the large territory of China.
Ka-32A11BC multi-purpose helicopter is a really versatile aircraft. It carries passengers and cargo, implements building and assembly works; it’s also engaged in firefighting, search and rescue, patrolling operations. Required optional equipment can be installed on the helicopter in accordance with its target application. Its design meets special requirements for shipborne aircraft.
The new Mi-38 transport helicopter is ideal for passenger and cargo transportation, as well as for forest work, building and assembly works, on-and-off loading, disaster response and search and rescue missions, medical service, geological exploration and corporate transportation of 20—30 passengers.
Mi-26 – the world’s most capable serial cargo helicopter – won the competition thanks to its outstanding performance and efficiency. Mi-26TC proved its unique capabilities during disaster response missions after the earthquake in the Sichuan region in the spring of 2008. This helicopter was leased by Chinese Fei Long company from Rostvertol, a Russian Helicopter Holding subsidiary. It was the only aircraft capable for fast transportation of numerous military and rescue troops, heavy construction and oversized equipment and structures to destroyed settlements, and for evacuation of large groups of victims.
The Mi-26 is designed to carry up to 20 tons of cargo as internal or external load. Its large cabin accommodates up to 82 troops with standard weapon and munitions.
Russian Helicopters, JSC is an affiliated company of UIC Oboronprom. It is the managing body of the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM and Helicopter Service Company (VSK).
UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. Its main tasks include helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters managing company), engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company), air defense systems and complex electronic systems (Defense Systems holding company), and other machine-building activities. The companies of the group reported revenues of over 100 billion roubles in 2008.
