Russian Helicopters unveiled the light multi-role VRT500 helicopter developed by the VR-Technologies design office in cooperation with an international engineering team, at the HeliRussia-2018 helicopter exhibition.

The VRT500 will be the company's first helicopter in the light segment (takeoff weight up to 2t). Aircraft of this type currently account for 18% of the world helicopter fleet.

Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky indicated that the company was seeing interest both from Russian and foreign operators.

He said that agreements on strategic partnership had already been signed as part of the promotion programme on international markets. He estimates sales of around 1,000 helicopters by 2035, giving the company a 15% share of that market segment.

Structural tests are reported to be in progress, with aerodynamic tests to follow in the short term.

The VRT500 is a single-engine design with coaxial propellers and 1,600kg take-off weight. The aircraft will feature a five-seat cabin and modern interactive avionics. Chracteristics include speed up to 250km/h, range up to 860km and payload up to 730kg.

The helicopter will be offered in passenger, multi-role, cargo, training, VIP and EMS configurations. It is claimed to be the first light helicopter enabling a a standardised stretcher to be loaded and off-loaded through the rear cabin doors.