OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) showcases its current, series produced, range and upcoming models of commercial and military helicopters at the international aviation and aerospace Airshow China 2014, which takes place in Zhuhai, China, from 11-16 November 2014. Visitors are able to familiarise themselves with the latest Ka-226T, Mi-171A2 and Mi-38, and to see the Ka-32A11BC, which is well known in China, in a static display area. Jointly with Rosoboronexport, Russian Helicopters showcases the latest Mi-26T2 and Mi-28NE 'Night Hunter' military models.

'China is Russia's vital strategic partner in aviation technology,' Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said. 'We plan to expand our cooperation. October saw the signing of an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation between aviation authorities in Russia and China. Now, our cooperation in a series of key areas will become more effective, including the export of new Russian helicopter technology to the Chinese market.'

The Ка-32А11ВС, which is rightly known as a reliable search and rescue and firefighting model, is today widely operated within China. The helicopter is excellently suited to China's mountainous regions and modern metropolises. Thanks to its unparalleled coaxial rotor design, the helicopter can land on and take off from unprepared areas, and manoeuvre in mountainous and built-up urban areas. The Ka-32A11BC is designed for specialised search-and-rescue operations, firefighting, and evacuating the sick and injured. This model is widely used in building tall structures, transporting cargo on an external sling, and logging.

China boasts a rapidly growing fleet of Ka-32A11BC helicopters, due to increasing demand. In April this year the Ka-3211BC was delivered to the Shanghai Public Security Directorate, and then in summer, two of these helicopters were delivered to the Sino-Russian Helicopter Technology Company under a 2011 contract for 20 machines.

In early 2014, a Ka-32A11BC belonging to the Chinese State Oceanic Administration was at the centre of global media attention as it played a key role in rescuing passengers from the Academician Shokalsky research vessel after the ship became trapped in Antarctic sea ice.

Helicopters from the Mi-8/17 family are today the most popular Russian helicopter models operated in China. They are operated successfully across China, particularly in those areas featuring difficult terrain and challenging climates. The final batch of Mi-171E helicopters was delivered recently, under a contract for 52 helicopters concluded with Rosoboronexport in 2012. During the exhibition in Zhuhai, Russian Helicopters showcases the latest addition to the legendary series, the Mi-171A2, which is set to continue the Mi-8/17 series' success. The multirole Mi-38 is also showcased at the exhibition - one of the best-performing models in its class for comfort and safety.

In the light segment, Russian Helicopters is exhibiting its new multirole Ka-226T helicopter, which boasts high flight capabilities. This helicopter can be operated effectively in heavily built up urban environments and in mountainous conditions, in a range of climates - including severe and abrupt changes in temperature, and in icy weather.

Jointly with Rosoboronexport, Russian Helicopters is showcasing the Mi-28NE 'Night Hunter' attack helicopter, designed for a range of combat missions, at the exhibition, and the latest Mi-26 -heavy helicopter, unparalleled in its flight capabilities, the Mi-26T2, kitted out with the latest on-board equipment and modernised engines.

Russian helicopters are well known in China. Deliveries started with the first series produced Mi-1, in the mid twentieth century. Mi-4 helicopters were assembled in China under licence at the Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, part of China's AVIC aircraft building corporation, and were known as the Harbin Z-5. In addition to these models, China also operated Mi-6 heavy helicopters, now replaced by the Mi-26TS.

Today, Chinese commercial firms operate three Mi-26TSs: two are held by Qingdao Helicopter, and the third by Flying Dragon. In June 2014, Russian Helicopters and China's Lectern Aviation Supplies signed a contract for the delivery of the Mi-26TS heavy transport helicopter. Under this agreement, the helicopter will be delivered in 2015. The helicopter will be operated in forestry management in China's Shandong province.

China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) is the only international aerospace trade show in China that is endorsed by the Chinese central government. The exhibition is held once every two years, on even years. It was first held in 1996.