OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec) is taking part in the Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair 2014 (Harbin Trade Fair, now known as China-Russia Expo), which will run fr om 30 June to 4 July in Harbin, China. The holding will showcase series and new models of helicopters at the event.

“China is Russia's key strategic partner in all aviation technology supply issues,” Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said. “We look forward to showcasing current models of Russian-made helicopter, which are already operated in China, and introducing our colleagues to some of our newest developments. In particular - the unrivalled Mi-38 passenger transport helicopter, and medium multirole Mi-171A2, which can be operated by both commercial and state helicopter operators in China alike.”

The new multirole Mi-38 boasts a spacious passenger cabin, low noise and vibration indicators, and numerous innovative technical solutions. The comfort and flight safety this helicopter offers are among the best of any helicopter in its class. In its cargo modification, the Mi-38 can carry up to 6 tonnes internally, and up to 7 on an external sling. It is also distinguished by its high cruising speed of 295 km/hour and flight range of up to 1,200 km. The year 2015 should see certification completed and the launch of series production on the Mi-38. Series produced Mi-38 helicopters will be equipped with TV7-117V engines produced by Klimov.

The Mi-8/17 are undoubtedly the most popular Russian-made models in China. Currently the final batch of Mi-171E helicopters are in the process of being delivered under a contract for the purchase of 52 of these aircraft, which was concluded with Rosoboronexport in 2012. The Mi-171A2 will also be on show at Harbin. It is the latest model to appear in this legendary series, and is fully expected to add further successes to the Mi-8/17's already considerable reputation.

The Ka-32A11BC helicopter, certified in China and renowned for its unbeatable search-and-rescue and fire-fighting capabilities, will also be on show at the event. This model has proved popular in China and is regularly supplied to Chinese operators. For example, in April, the Ka-32A11BC was delivered to the Shanghai Public Security Directorate.

In the light segment, Russian Helicopters will showcase the Ka-226T. This light, multirole helicopter boasts outstanding versatility, allowing it to be operated in dense urban environments and mountainous regions alike. The Ka-226T can be operated in extreme temperatures and in icy conditions. It is designed for year-round use and ground maintenance, and like other Russian-made helicopters, it can be stored on the open airfield. The Ka-226T is one of the best helicopters in its class. During flight testing in mountainous regions, the Ka-226T reached heights of 7,500 metres and carried cargo weighing 200 kg at altitudes of 5,200 metres. The helicopter is equipped to operate in low temperatures (below minus 35 degrees Celsius) and at great heights. These qualities make the Ka-226T a very attractive helicopter to Chinese operators.

The Harbin Trade Fair helps develop and strengthen trade and economic relations between the Russian Federation and China, Russia's most important external trading partner. In 2013, the volume of bilateral trade neared 90 billion USD, and by 2020 is expected to reach 200 billion USD. Russian-made helicopters have built a good reputation in China, supplies to China started with the first series model of the Mi-1, produced in the mid-20th century. Mi-4 helicopters are assembled under licence in China, wh ere they are known as the Harbin Z-5, at Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, part of China's AVIC aircraft construction corporation. In addition to these models, Mi-6 heavy helicopters (now replaced by the Mi-26T) are also operated widely in China.

Russian Helicopters' business programme for the event includes meetings and talks with numerous regional partners. In addition, representatives of the holding will take part in the Chinese summit on civilian helicopters. Russian Helicopters will give a joint presentation with Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, on developing business contacts with partners in China.