Russian Helicopters to debut at Bahrain International Airshow

Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, will demonstrate its newest multipurpose helicopters during the 4th Bahrain International Airshow – 2016, which will be held January 21-23 at Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain. The holding company will not only showcase its products and capabilities in after-sales service for helicopters produced by Russian Helicopters but also will conduct negotiations with current operators and potential buyers from North Africa, Near and Middle East.

One of the key focuses during negotiations will be the development of an integrated after-sale service system and ensuring quick first-rate services for helicopters throughout their entire life cycle. The fleet of Soviet/Russian-made helicopters in Near and Middle Eastern countries today exceeds 500 civil and military aircrafts. The possibility to conduct timely maintenance and repairs in the target region would allow local operators to achieve better operability of helicopters and cut costs.

The Mi-171A2 helicopter, the successful heir of the most popular Mi-8/17 series of medium helicopters, has significantly better specs for consumers. With VK-2500PS-03 engines developed by Klimov, APU Safir that ensures engine start at heights up to 6,000 m, advanced aerodynamics of the main rotor’s composite blades, and the X-shaped anti-torque rotor, this helicopter has better speed performance, lifting capacity, enhanced capabilities in mountain areas, at high temperatures and humidity, and lower operational expenses. The helicopter’s ability to operate in adverse weather conditions, day and night, in mountain areas and above water is ensured by its new avionics, including the KBO-17 integrated open-architecture flight and navigation system and advanced automatic control system which allows piloting in automatic, automated and manual modes. High automation level makes it possible to use crews with just two members. At the present time, a flight test program with two prototypes is underway.

The Ansat light helicopter with the largest cabin in its class, up to seven passenger seats, will be of substantial interest to the airshow visitors. Certification of its VIP variant with five seats and an air-conditioning system makes the helicopter attractive for corporate and private customers. The cabin has shock-absorbing seats and vibration-reducing armrests. For additional passenger comfort there are also flight kits with active noise reduction. With the use of quick-detach equipment kits, Ansat can be quickly refit for a wide range of tasks including transportation of cargo and passengers, search and rescue operations, and medevac missions.

Russian Helicopters will also feature its multipurpose Ka-32A11BC model, which is capable of solving a variety of tasks, from cargo transportation internally and on an external sling to patrolling, search and rescue operations, and firefighting. The availability of quick-detach equipment kits makes it possible to quickly adapt the helicopter for the operator’s tasks. The Ka-32A11BC is certified according to international standards; one of its main features is the ability to operate day and night in adverse weather conditions, above land and water. The helicopter is designed to land on unprepared and unpaved landing pads, with air temperatures up to + 45°С.

The Ka-226T helicopter has a unique set of features that make it indispensable for operations on small pads, including mountainous areas. Due to its excellent maneuverability, small size, absence of the antitorque rotor and high power-to-weight ratio, the helicopter is capable of performing transportation and special tasks under rough conditions. In addition to the above, its low noise level and compliance with modern and future environmental requirements make it possible to use the Ka-226T over densely populated areas.