OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec) will showcase new series and prospective models of its military helicopters at the Defence Ministry's Innovation Day exhibition on 4-5 August in the suburbs of Moscow. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the latest models in the company's production line, including the Mi-8/17 and Mi-26 military transport helicopters and the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and combat model. The latest military helicopter programmes including the Ka-52K, Mi-8AMTSh-VA, Mi-26T2 and Mi-38 will also be showcased at the exhibition.

“The Russian Defence Ministry is our key customer. By providing the Armed Forces with new technology, we contribute to strengthening the country's defence capabilities,” said Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Russian Helicopters. “To produce state-of-the-art and innovative helicopters, it is important to stay ahead of the pack. Today we are carrying out comprehensive modernisation of our production facilities, using the latest equipment and technologies in our operations. We are establishing an innovative system of development for the company and creating a remarkable R&D division.”

Among the latest programmes that Russian Helicopters will present at the exhibition is the development programme for the Ka-52K ship-borne combat helicopter. This helicopter is being developed based on the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and combat model for Russia's Navy. It is planned to be fitted with foldable rotor blades and outer-wing panels, and will also feature a more resistant anti-corrosive finish. Other systems and avionics deployed on the helicopter will be also adapted for naval use.

Additionally, to help the Defence Ministry complete missions in Arctic conditions, Russian Helicopters is developing a specialised helicopter, the Mi-8AMTSh-VA. This model is being developed based on the upgraded Mi-8AMTSh-V transport helicopter, which features new Klimov VK-2500-03 turboshaft engines, a more powerful TA-14 auxiliary power plant and upgraded avionics.

The Mi-8AMTSh-VA is designed to excel in the extreme weather conditions of the Arctic and Far North. It is being developed with low temperatures and low flight visibility in mind, including during conditions of 24-hour darkness. The helicopter is capable of carrying out flights even when navigation is challenging, for example, if satellite signal is lost.

The Mi-26 heavy military transport helicopter is used by the Armed Forces to carry paratrooper divisions and transport of outsized equipment. The Mi-26 can carry up to 82 fully armed troopers or up to 20 tons of cargo inside the fuselage or on an external sling. The updated model, the Mi-26T2, is fitted with a new BREO-26 avionics suite with five multi-functional LCD displays, as well as new digital autopilot with satellite navigation support. The helicopter also features modernised D-136-2 turboshaft engines with FADEC (full authority digital engine control) which can boost output by 250 hp during flight when at full throttle. The Mi-26T2 can fly missions anywhere in the world, and can significantly enhance the battle readiness of the Russian Armed Forces.

The new multipurpose Mi-38 can carry personnel and cargo for the Russian Defence Ministry. Just as with other Russian helicopters, the Mi-38 is designed for use in a wide range of climates and conditions, including maritime, tropical and winter climates. The Mi-38 has remarkable load and personnel carrying capacity, and features a number of aeronautical characteristics that allow it to fly missions in the Arctic and Far North. The Mi-38 is fitted with a power unit with two Klimov TV7-117V turboshaft engines. By expanding their fleets with the new Mi-38, the Air Force and the Army Air Corps can significantly enhance their helicopter operations.

The second Innovation Day exhibition, organised by the Russian Defence Ministry, is targeted at professional audiences and aimаs to demonstrate promising ideas and developments of Russian industry to senior executives and specialists from the Defence Ministry and Armed Forces.