Russia hopes to sign the contract for development of a heavy transport helicopter with China by mid-2016, says said Dmitry Shugaev Deput...
Russia hopes to sign the contract for development of a heavy transport helicopter with China by mid-2016, says said Dmitry Shugaev Deputy CEO of Rostec.
Both sides have signed a framework agreement for cooperation on the project in May 2015.
Russian Helicopters and the Chinese corporation AVIC (China Aviation Industry Corporation) are jointly developing the helicopter designated AHL (Advanced Heavy Lift).
He said an intergovernmental agreement is expected by the middle of next year, which was earlier planned for this year end.
The AHL with a maximum takeoff weight of 38.2 tons, will be equipped with a seven-bladed main rotor and five-blade tail rotor. Operating altitude will be 5,700 meters and will have a range of 630 km and a maximum speed of 300 km/h.
Even though based on the world's largest helicopter, the Mi-26, AHL's payload capacity will not be higher than the Mi-26. It will be capable of carrying 10 tons of cargo inside the cabin and 15 tons on the external sling.
Earlier in November 2015, Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander MIkheev have said that, the Russian side would be responsible for the helicopter’s transmission and tail rotor system.
Possibility of developing a helicopter engine based on the Russian new generation PD-14 turbofan engine which is being flight tested, is also under consideration.
