Russian Helicopters working on new products

The Russian Helicopters holding company is planning to build 244 helicopters this year. Chief Executive Officer Alexander Mikheev says the company’s backlog stands at 585 units, worth 490 billion rubles ($9.2 billion at the current exchange rate); 67% of the orders in monetary value are for military rotorcraft.

But Russian Helicopters looks to boost sales of its civilian products. “We are bringing five civilian types [of helicopters] to the market,” Mikheev says. “These are the Kamov Ka-62, the Kazan Helicopters Ansat, the Ka-226T, as well as the Mil Mi-171A2 and Mi- 26T2.” The passenger versions of the Ansat and the Ka-226T have recently been certified in Russia. Work continues to develop the other civil products.

Ka-62

The Russian government intends to increase the 2015 budget of the Ka- 62 medium twin helicopter program from the original 1.1 billion rubles to 1.7 billion (up 62.1%). This year’s plans include component endurance tests, the development of working design documentation, extension of the operating envelope, and sales of 29 aircraft.

The Ka-62 has a MTOW of 6,500 kg and can transport 12–15 passengers. Three prototypes have been built to date. The maiden flight is expected to take place in 2015, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Andrey Boginsky said in May, adding that certification is to be completed in 2017.