Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, will showcase an extensive line-up of popular models as well as its global after-sales support system at FIHAV 2012, taking place on 4-9 November in the Cuban capital, Havana. The Russian Helicopters display will be at exhibition hall №27.

FIHAV is one of the largest trade shows in Central America, which is a key market for Russian Helicopters. The company’s display at FIHAV 2012 will highlight the versatility of its product range, with helicopters that can fly a wide range of missions fr om dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters to fire-fighting to supporting construction operations and transporting passengers and goods.

Mi-8/17 helicopters are widely used in Central America, wh ere they are highly regarded for their ease of use, versatility and reliability. Russian Helicopters will exhibit the latest member of the family, the Mi-171A2, which has been completely overhauled with new avionics, more powerful engines and extensive use of composite materials. Economical to run, highly flexible, and meeting the highest environmental and safety standards, the Mi-171A2 is poised to be a new best-seller in the medium-lift class.

Another popular model is the medium multirole Ka-32A11BC, a coaxial helicopter used most commonly for rescue and fire-fighting missions. The helicopter is highly durable and easy to pilot, and is certified and operational in numerous countries around the world.

Russian Helicopters will also bring the Ka-226T to FIHAV 2012 to meet growing market demand for multirole light helicopters. The Ka-226T has a modular construction and is powered by Arrius 2G1 engines, and is used for rescue and flying doctor missions. It is also effective when carrying out patrolling operations and supporting airborne troops.

Another Russian Helicopters innovation is the light multirole Ansat, a passenger and VIP transport helicopter with the most spacious cabin in its class and can also be used for goods transportation. Pratt&Whitney PW207K engines make the Ansat’s flight performance highly attractive to the corporate sector.

Russian Helicopters will also be telling its partners in Central and South America about its new after-sales service system, which offers world-class support through a global network of accredited service centres and joint ventures. The new system simplifies service and repair procedures for operators of Russian-built helicopters, without compromising on quality or price. Russian Helicopters’ global support offering is managed by its subsidiary Helicopter Service Company.

FIHAV is held at the Expocuba centre in Havana, and supported by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Trade, the Ministry for Foreign Investment and Cooperation, and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. Some 1,500 companies from 60 countries were represented at FIHAV 2011, and extensive Russian involvement could push this year’s show to be another record-breaker.