OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Rostec State Corporation, announces that four Mi-171E transport helicopters have been delivered to Poly Technologies under a contract signed in 2012 by the Chinese company and Rosoboronexport.

Under the contract Russian Helicopters will supply 52 Mi-171E transport helicopters to China. The latest consignment brings the number of helicopters delivered to date to 32, with the final batch expected to be transferred in 2014.

Russian Helicopters has worked with Poly Technologies since 2009, when the companies signed a contract for 32 Mi-171Es. The contract was completed in 2011 and formed a good foundation for continued cooperation.

The new Mi-171Es produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, a Russian Helicopters company, are specially adapted to provide high-class performance in mountainous terrain. They are fitted with enhanced VK-2500 engines and Safir auxiliary power plants, modernized transmissions, searchlights, internal fuel tanks and landing seats. The loading ramp and additional sliding door on the right-hand side make transportation tasks more efficient.

Chinese crews have successfully completed training at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant's training centre, where they learned techniques and rules for piloting the helicopters in various conditions using advanced training methods on the latest Mi-171 flight simulator. The pilots praised the comfort and ease of use of the simulator, its consistency with a real helicopter and the high level of competence of the training centre staff.

Mi-171s operate successfully across China, in particular in areas with complex terrains and harsh climates. They are used to carry a wide range of cargoes, including medicines, humanitarian aid and construction materials. In addition, the helicopters are used to support rescue operations and in the aftermath of emergency situations.

The Mi-171 flew missions to rescue and extract people following the earthquake in Sichuan province in April 2013. With mountain roads completely destroyed, the helicopter was the only means of transporting and delivering cargoes. Chinese rescue workers and helicopter operations praised the indefatigability, reliability, durability and ruggedness of the Russian-built helicopters.

China is one of the biggest operators of Russian-made helicopters. Most popular of all are helicopters of the Mi-8/17 series. The country has a fleet of about 150 Mi-171s; also operated in China are the heavy Mi-26TS and the multirole Ka-32A11BC. China can provide full material and technical support for Russian-built helicopters, with well-trained flight and technical and engineering staff. In future China plans to expand its fleet of Russian-built helicopters, and Russian Helicopters stands ready to offer its Chinese partners the latest models including the multirole Ka-226T and Mi-171A2.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of State Corporation Rostec. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. Over 8000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in 110 countries worldwide. Traditionally the demand is highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2012 its IFRS revenues increased 21% to RUB 125,7billion. Deliveries reached 290 helicopters.