MOSCOW: Malaysian concern Ludev Aviation secured five VRT500 light, multipurpose helicopters at the MAKS 2019 aviation and space show.
The rotorcrafts, designed by Russian Helicopters innovation agency VR-Technologies, are scheduled to be delivered by 2023.
VR-Technologies director-general Alexander Okhonko said that optional equipment, details of the interior and the livery colour scheme of the VRT500 would be determined soon,
“This is after the helicopter is issued a type and airworthiness certificates in accordance with the standards of the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),” he said after signing a dealership agreement on its promotion and sales, at the five-day show that ends on Sunday at the Zhukovsky International Airport.
Ludev Aviation was represented by its chief executive officer Phillipe Lubrano-Lavadera.
Russian Helicopters is a subsidiary of the diversified Rostec State Corporation.
Okhonko added that earlier this year, the technical project of the VRT500 programme was successfully completed, paving the way for the development of its design documents.
“Tests of the first prototype will start by next year. Europe and Asia are priority potential markets for the VRT500 helicopter which we believe can be marketed competitively with other makes of the same class,” said Okhonko.
The VRT500 is a light single-engine helicopter with coaxial rotors and a take-off weight of 1,650 kg.
“The aircraft has the largest passenger and cargo cabin in its class, which can accommodate up to five passengers and is equipped with a modern interactive avionics console.
“The design solutions of the helicopter will allow it to reach speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour, fly up to 860km and carry up to 730kg of payload.
“The helicopter is designed in passenger, multipurpose, cargo, training, VIP and emergency medical service configurations,” said Okhonko.