Over the past few months holding “Helicopters of Russia” made some important steps to develop the segment of light helicopters, where domestic helicopter traditionally lost to foreign competition. In addition, defined the contours of a future high-speed machine, developed by the holding company.
In early September, the holding was the first civilian order for light helicopters Ka-226T . This car is a take-off weight 3600 kg is a further development of the model KA-226 differs from the basic version to replace the engine Rolls-Royce 250-C20B with more powerful   Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 . Initially, the Ka-226T was developed under the requirements of the tender of the Ministry of Defence of India for the supply of 197 light helicopters. Also previously among customers of this helicopter is called the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Russian FSB.
Although the formal contract for 18 helicopters in the version of the Ka-226TG was signed with the Federal Research and Production Center “NefteGazAeroKosmos,” the first civil operator of these machines will become the airline “Gazpromavia”. The first six helicopters will be delivered to her in 2013, the remaining 12 cars expected to pass to the customer in 2014 “Gazpromavia” plans to use the new helicopters to patrol gas distribution system and other infrastructure facilities “Gazprom”, as well as for corporate and transportation and maintenance works.
Modification of the Ka-226TG was developed in accordance with the requirements “Gazpromavia” specifically to operate in the Far North and the Arctic shelf in poor visibility conditions and sudden changes in temperature. The helicopter is equipped with an airborne equipment CCD-226TG that allows to perform the work in isolation from the main base, at night, in fog and precipitation of high density. Another difference from the basic model helicopter was the presence of an additional fuel tank, through which was increased range helicopter. According to the director, “Russian Helicopters” Dmitry Petrov , the cost of the machine to “Gazpromavia” This set is more than 300 million rubles.
This year’s “Helicopters of Russia” will, as expected, the supply of another new model in an easy class – the 6.4-ton helicopter AW139 , which will be assembled in the suburban Tomilino on SP HeliVert , create a holding with AgustaWestland . The first kits for the assembly were delivered to Russia at the end of May this year. Director General of the summer AgustaWestland Bruno Spanolini told ATO, the first two AW139 helicopter assembled in Russia will be delivered to customers by the end of this year. Although “Helicopters of Russia” and AgustaWestland not call operator starting these machines, it is assumed that they can become the airline “UTair” or Presidential Squadron. In 2013, in Tomilino will gather from 7 to 10 cars, and at full capacity – 20 helicopters per year – the plant will be released in 2015 The plant will generate increasing demand for the AW139 helicopter for the civil aviation market, both in Russia and in the countries CIS.
This summer, it became clear that cooperation “Helicopters of Russia” AgustaWestland is not limited only to the Russian assembly AW139. At the air show in Farnborough partners signed a preliminary framework agreement on joint development, production and sale of single-engine helicopter weighing 2.5 tons As explained Mr. Spanolini, it will be a completely new model, which has nothing to do with the 2.5-tonne helicopter AW119 Koala which now has a product line in the Italian company.
Both parties will participate in the joint program on a parity basis, assuming that the new helicopter will be sold on the world market and is widely used in various fields. The allocation of responsibilities for the program between Russian and Italian party partners promised to announce later.
Chapter AgustaWestland not name the date of the first flight of the new machine, explaining that it will take place as soon as possible. Production of the new model will be deployed in Russia. “We have a joint venture with the” Helicopters of Russia “, – said Spanolini – it is enough space for the assembly of the helicopter.”
Also at the air show in Farbnoro holding presented the results of the next stage of a long-term development of high-speed helicopter. As you know, earlier in the program of the holding design offices MVZ. Mile and “Kamov” in developing a parallel project Mi-X1 and Ka-92 , respectively. The first machine is designed according to the traditional scheme, the second – with coaxial rotors. Sharp increase in the rate of both projects to be achieved through the use of the tail pushing propeller.
Air Show “Helicopters of Russia” was first publicly presented model of the future helicopter, the designation RACHEL (Russian Advance Commercial Helicopter). According to the holding company, he must bring together two design bureaus to develop a promising machine. It is assumed that RACHEL will have take-off weight of about 10 tons, and seating 20-24 people.This helicopter has a traditional layout with one main and tail tail rotor, which suggests that the designers while abandoned risky solutions. As explained in the “Russian Helicopters”, speed increase is expected to come from new blades and fuselage improve aerodynamics, but the main priority is not maximizing the speed parameters, and minimize operating costs.According to Dmitry Petrov, the final configuration of the promising machine can be determined by the end of 2013 to the summer testing the new car could start in 2016-2017., Completion of certification and until the beginning of deliveries scheduled for 2018-2020.
Obviously, the helicopter, based at the prototype RACHEL, will have to replace the main bestseller “Helicopters of Russia” – the family Mi-8/17 . As you know, in the shorter-term demand for the helicopters to support the upgraded version of the Mi-171A2 , the development of which is being built first flying prototype.
Civil, Ka226, Kamov, Military, News, Russian Helicopters
