OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom – the part of Russian Technologies (Rostec) State Corporation and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, will bring its Australian calling card – the medium multi-role Ka-32A11BC – to Avalon 2013, the international aviation exhibition taking place from 26 February to 3 March in Geelong. The Russian Helicopters display can be found at stand 2F4.

Though Australia is a new market for Russian Helicopters, the company’s helicopters are in high demand across the Asia-Pacific region. More than 1,200 Russian-built helicopters already operate in one of the fastest-growing regions of the planet, and demand for reliable and economical helicopters is continuing to grow along with the regional economy.

The Ka-32A11BC received its Australian certificate of airworthiness in December 2012, allowing Australian operators to use the helicopter for fire-fighting, search-and-rescue operations, goods transport on an external sling and in construction work.

Australia is a country that suffers damage from wildfires every year, and therefore has a need for specialised fire-fighting equipment able to combat the threat. As a fire-fighting helicopter, the Ka-32A11BC can be equipped with Bambi Buckets and water cannon, which combined with the helicopter’s unique coaxial main rotor system makes the Ka-32A11BC one of the best fire-fighting helicopters in the world.

Russian Helicopters in early 2013 launched the Global Helicopter Firefighting Initiative to further the development of helicopter fire-fighting equipment. The Initiative aims to make the use of specialised fire-fighting helicopters more effective, and will involve sector specialists and other relevant companies from around the world. The goal of the programme is to combat the threat of natural and manmade fires on a global level. The Ka-32A11BC has been chosen as the symbol of the GHFI.

Alongside a growing market for corporate helicopter transportation, demand for multi-role transport helicopters is also increasing. Australian operators will be shown the new medium multi-role Ka-62, which uses the latest composite materials in its construction. The Ka-62 is a single-rotor design, with an enclosed multi-bladed tail rotor. It is powered by twin Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engines that generate 1,680 HP. Experts say that the Ka-62 will become a bestseller for Russian Helicopters.

Australian helicopter operators will also have the opportunity to see the Mi-8/17 series, the world’s most popular helicopter. Of particular interest will be the latest model in the series, the Mi-171A2, which combines the finest qualities of its predecessors – reliability, simplicity of use and versatility – with the advantages of the latest helicopter construction technologies. The Mi-171A2 is destined to become one of the most efficient and economical helicopters in its class.

Held since 1988, Avalon is the largest airshow in the region. Aviation companies from around the world showcase their equipment, alongside the Australian Air Force, Navy and the US Air Force.