OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, will exhibit some of its latest models at Aero India 2013, taking place from February 6-10 2013 in Bangalore. The company can be found in Hall A at stand 3.3.

The company plans to showcase new light and medium multirole helicopters – primarily the Ka-226T and Mi-171A2 – that will be the principal Russian products for the fast-growing Indian market.

The light multirole Ka-226T with its unique coaxial rotor is currently competing in a major Indian Air Force tender for surveillance and reconnaissance helicopters, and has excellent chances of success. In December 2012, Russian Helicopters signed an agreement in New Delhi with India’s Elcom Systems to establish a joint venture to assemble Russian helicopters including the Ka-226T in India.

Another attractive addition to the company’s range is the upgraded civil medium Mi-171A2, the latest version of the Mi-8/17 series, the world’s most popular helicopter. The Mi-171A2 combines the best performance of its legendary predecessors with leading-edge technologies. Almost 200 Mi-8/17s operate in India, and demand for these helicopters remains strong. Russian Helicopters recently signed another contract for Mi-17V-5 helicopters with the Indian Air Force; the contract is expected to be fulfilled in 2013.

At Aero India 2013, Russian Helicopters and Rosoboronexport will also showcase the Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopter. This combat helicopter has outstanding capabilities, being able to operate day and night and in all weathers, and can fly search-and-destroy operations against tanks, armoured and unarmoured vehicles, as well as enemy forces on the battlefield and low-speed air targets.

At Aero India 2011, 675 companies from 29 countries and 47 overseas delegations participated in an exhibition space of 75,000 sq m (including outdoor space) – nearly 57% more than the previous edition in 2009, according to the organisers.

Aero India 2013, the ninth Aero India show, will play a significant role in the aerospace industry and is one of the key trade shows in Asia. Russian Helicopters is a repeat visitor to Aero India, representing the Russian aerospace industry in Bangalore since 2009.