Russian Helicopters is taking advantage of Aero India 2017 to highlight its Ka-226T light multirole helicopter.
Last October, Russian Helicopters, Rosoboronexport and HAL Corporation created a joint venture covering production of Ka-226Ts in India for delivery to the Indian market. The creation of the JV followed an intergovernmental agreement between the two countries signed in 2015. In addition to final assembly, the agreement provides for maintenance, operation, repairs and maintenance of these helicopters.
The Russian firm notes that more than 400 helicopters produced in Russia are registered and operated in India. Alongside the Ka-226T, Russian Helicopters is also displaying a multi-purpose Mi-38 in passenger version. The company says it is currently working to increase the take-off weight of the Mi-38-2 and to expand its flight ceiling. In addition, the helicopter will be tested with an attached cargo jib and an external sling. It will also undergo tests at heliports covered with dust, sand and snow.
A presentation of the light multirole Ansat helicopter is also scheduled. Ansats in the training variant are being used by the Russian Aerospace Forces for initial flight training for military pilots.
Russian Helicopters is also promoting a new after-sales service concept for foreign customers. As part of these services, Russian Helicopters is actively developing a "one window" format in India, which is aimed at building strategic relationships with helicopter operators and which “implies non-tender based, long-term agreements and transition to a service format extending to the complete helicopter life cycle”.
On the eve of the Aero India show, Russian Helicopters signed a distribution agreement with Hong Kong-based United Helicopter International Group under the terms of which the latter will become official distributor of Russian Helicopters machines in Greater China, Malaysia and Australia. Prospects in those regions are seen as particularly promising for the Ka-32 and Mi-171 medium helicopters — both already widely used in China — as well as the Ansat.