HeliRussia 2019: Results
The XII International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2019 was held on May 16-18 in Moscow in “Crocus Expo” International Exhibition Center in accordance with the Russian Federation Government Decree No. 2403-r dated October 30, 2017. HeliRussia 2019 was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the expo was held on the initiative and with the support of the Helicopter Industry Association. The event is executed by the Russian Exhibition Systems. The title sponsor of the exhibition was again the Russian Helicopters. This year the exhibition got support from the financial sector: Promsvyazbank became its official sponsor, and VTB Bank was a strategic partner of the expo. Official linguistic partner – EGO Translating Company.
Every year HeliRussia demonstrates the whole range of the helicopter industry’s products and services, and there is a presentation of new promising developments during the show. This expo is very prestigious – it attracts attention of a wide audience to the helicopter industry and strengthens the position of the Russian Federation as one of the world leaders in the helicopter industry. This year HeliRussia 2019 demonstrated a high level of organization and confirmed its authoritative status. The area of the inside exposition was 12,255 sq.m., and the open area for demonstration flights was 1800 sq.m. The expo was attended by about 12000 people and hosted 60 events of the buisiness program.
The solemn ceremony of the expo took place on the stage in the exhibition hall. The following officials participated in the ceremony: Vladimir Kozhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security; Oleg Bocharov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; Aleksander Yurchik, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation; Oleg Storchevoy, Deputy Head of the Federal Air Transport Agency; Boris Danilov, Head of the Aviation Administration of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation; Boris Aleshin, Advisor of the President of the UAC on Science and Technology; Andrey Boginsky, General Director of the Russian Helicopters; and Mikhail Kazachkov, Chairman of the Board of the Helicopter Industry Association.
Greetings to participants, organizers and guests of the HeliRussia 2019 were sent by: Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Yury Borisov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; Aleksander Neradko, Head of the Federal Air Transport Agency.
Vladimir Kozhin read out to participants and guests the address of the President saying, “I am convinced that HeliRussia 2019 will not only demonstrate the achievements and capabilities of our helicopter industry, but also will launch promising projects and initiatives; that it will contribute to strengthening technological and investment potential of the industry; and of course, that it will become a large, festive event for numerous aviation enthusiasts.”
The exposition gathered 234 companies, among them 49 foreign companies, from 20 countries: Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iran, Italy, Libya, Lithuania, Malta, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Moreover, companies from Canada, Switzerland and Sweden participated in HeliRussia for the first time, and French companies again participated with joint national stand.
Helicopter exposition
15 helicopters were demonstrated at the exhibition. The spotlight of the Russian exposition was the Ansat helicopter – a light twin-engine helicopter designed and manufactured by the Kazan Helicopters (part of the Russian Helicopters). This machine is actively used in Russian as medevac helicopter, and nowadays it is gaining more and more recognition among operating companies. For the first time, the public was able to see the Ansat helicopter in its fire-fighting configuration. The special version of this helicopter was demonstrated by the Russian Helicopter Systems. The equipment of the helicopter includes the Fire Attack complex by Simplex Aerospace and the external cargo module. The Fire Attack system allows to intake water from water reservoirs and discharge it from the air to the fire centers. A similar model has been successfully used on the Ka-32 helicopters.
Simplex Fire Attack is not the only new product for Ansat this year. The Russian Helicopter Systems, which is actively involved in the process of implementing the Medical Aviation Development Program, also presented the option of equipping the helicopter medical module with an incubator for transporting newborn babies. Infant transport incubators are used to maintain the optimal temperature mode during transportation of newborns. The need to include such equipment in the medical module was highlighted at the HeliRussia 2018.
The title sponsor of the exhibition – the Russian Helicopters – has presented a project for Ka-32 helicopters modernization dubbed Ka-32A11M. Within a long-time period, this is the first large modernization project for Ka-32 helicopters that are operated in more than 30 countries around the world. The project will be led under the supervision of the Helicopter Service Company (HSC) being part of the holding. Technical solutions in the avionics of the upgraded Ka-32 have already been tested on Mi-38 and Ka-62 helicopters. The upgraded helicopter will get modern avionics and more powerful VK-2500PS-02 engines from the United Engine Corporation.
Moreover, the fire extinguishing system of the Ka-32 helicopter will be upgraded – it will get a new Russian-manufactured water tank SP-32. The new product differs from its foreign analogues by a more favorable price; it can hold 4 tons of water; it has digital controls and improved ergonomics when taking in and discharging water. In addition, the SP-32 tank can be used in winter conditions.
The holding also presented a demonstrator stand for a new “glass cockpit” of the upgraded Ka-32 helicopter. This stand, having functional capacities of an aviation simulator, was of a great interest to the exhibition’s visitors.
The HeliRussia exhibition demonstrates models of being in-demand ultralight helicopters on a regular basis. This year, a new product was the coaxial R-34 helicopter developed by Aeroelectromash together with OKB “Rotor”. The ultra-light R-34 helicopter is constructed using a coaxial rotor scheme, and nowadays it is the most compact, efficient and low-noise helicopter in its class. This helicopter is equipped with Rotax 915 gasoline engine having a power of 130 hp, its construction has a hingeless blades’ suspension with a composite torsion, as well as a parachute rescue system. The helicopter is designed for transportation of 2–3 people, and its flight tests have already begun. There are works being conducted on development of the unmanned version of the R-34 helicopter.
At its stand, Aeroelectromash also demonstrated the VA-115 helicopter trainer developed by RotorSchmiede (Germany), as well as its own projects on the development of electric motors for small aircraft.
At HeliRussia 2019, there was a premiere demonstration of another interesting new product in the ultralight segment – the two-seat Zefhir helicopter of the Italian Company CURTI Aerospace. The helicopter was presented at the stand of the Citicopter, which is part of the Heliatica Group.
The world premiere of this model took place in 2018. This is the first ultralight class helicopter designed according to CS-27 Standards of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Nowadays, this model is going through the process of the EASA certification.
The uniqueness of the Zefhir helicopter is that, being an ultra-light machine, this helicopter is equipped with the TS100 turboshaft powerplant manufactured by PBS Velka Bites (Czech Republic), which has a digital engine control system (FADEC). The helicopter has enhanced safety parameters, as it is equipped with a parachute rescue system. Zefhir has a composite fuselage, energy-absorbing chassis and seats, avionics with a “glass cockpit.” Its maximum take-off weight is 700 kg.
The European Airbus Helicopters presented the H135 helicopter with the Helionix avionics complex for the first time in Russia. H135 is a recognized leader in its class and the most popular model for medical aviation services in the world. Currently, about 1200 twin-engine helicopters of this family are operated by more than 300 operators in 60 countries. The total flight time of the world fleet of these machines exceeds 4.2 million hours.
The Helionix avionics is developed by the company to improve flight safety parameters and expand the range of helicopter operational capabilities. The new onboard equipment improves situational awareness and reduces the pilot’s workload.
Also, the Airbus Helicopters stand had a special HCare demonstration zone, where visitors could get complete information on various digital solutions in the field of after-sale services.
Bell presented its most current model – the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter with the Mecaer’s VIP passenger cabin. The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a lightweight five-seat helicopter that is gaining increasing popularity around the world.
The first demonstration of this helicopter in the form of a full-size mock-up took place in Russia at HeliRussia 2015, and the premiere demonstration of its production model took place at the HeliRussia exhibition last year. Bell 505 has a fully integrated “glass cockpit” to reduce the work load on the pilot, the Garmin G1000H avionics and provides the excellent visibility level to the crew. The helicopter is equipped with the Safran’s Arrius 2R powerplant.
The Mecaer Aviation Group’s passenger cabin provides passengers with an increased level of comfort. An official transfer of the certificate to the first Russian purchaser of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter also took place at the expo. The machines are supplied by an official representative of Bell in Russia – Jet Transfer.
At HeliRussia 2019, the medium-sized Leonardo Helicopters’ AW139 multi-purpose helicopter was presented in VIP configuration. This helicopter is from the flagship line of the Italian machines of the AW169/AW139/AW189 family, which have a common design and operational logic. The dealer of the Leonardo helicopters in Russia is the Exclases Group, which also was a partner of the exhibition.
The AW139 helicopters are manufactured in Russia at the Russian-Italian joint venture HeliVert, the founders of which are Leonardo Helicopters and the Russian Helicopters. Since 2012, Russian customers have received more than 30 AW139 helicopters of both Russian and Italian production.
At the expo, two Robinson R66 helicopters were also demonstrated, one of which was presented by the Heliports of Russia, which supplies and maintains foreign helicopters, as well as offers piloting training services.
In addition, visitors of the expo were able to see the Airbus Helicopters EC135, Bo-105, and upgraded Mi-2 with an AI-450M-B engine produced by Borisfen.
Engines, avionics and equipment
HeliRussia annually demonstrates a wide range and diversity of aircraft engines, aviation equipment, radio electronics, auxiliary systems. Despite the fact that the key role in this part of the exposition is played by the enterprises from the State Corporation Rostech, there was also a wide range of existing and perspective projects of relatively small Russian and foreign manufacturers presented at the expo.
The United Engine Corporation (UEC) demonstrated the new turboshaft engine VK-2500PS-02. Developed by UEC-Klimov together with the Russian Helicopters, this engine is a new model in the VK2500PS line of products. The power provided by the power plant will be 2200 hp – that is by 200 hp more if compared with the serial engine VK-2500PS-03, which has been produced since 2017. The main application of VK-2500PS-02 is the upgraded Ka-32 helicopter, the modernization project of which became one of the most important events on HeliRussia 2019. The new power plant will allow to improve the helicopter performance and increase its reliability when operating with an external load, which is one of the main applications of the Ka-32 machines.
UEC presented at the exhibition a new automatic electronic digital regulation and control unit with full responsibility (FADEC) BARK-6V designed for the latest Russian turboshaft helicopter engine ТV7-117V of the Mi-38 helicopter. The main functions of BARK-6V are to control its engine start stage, its mode of operation, to limit the engine’s operating parameters, to protect in the case of possible failures, to ensure automatic engine switching to high power modes, to monitor the state of the engine and its systems.
BARK-6V allows to increase the life time of the “hot” part of the engine, adapt its control function to external conditions, provide the necessary engine control level for its condition-based maintenance.
The Ruselectronics demonstrated its modern and promising onboard radio-electronic equipment at HeliRussia 2019. Among the units presented at the expo, there was a small-sized helicopter Doppler velocity and drift angle meter of the new generation integrated with an altimeter (DISS-VG) developed by the Luch Design Bureau. The new model is lighter and smaller than its analogs; any civilian helicopter can be equipped with this module.
The expo demonstrated the equipment of NPP Polet, a member of the Roselektronics, which can be used for the promising Ka-62 helicopter, – these are S-404 onboard communication complex of the new generation and the Aist-62 integrated antenna-feeder system.
The S-404 complex has an open architecture, it provides continuous communication of pilots with ground control centers via several channels, as well as continuous reception of signals at an emergency frequency. As part of the Ka-62 helicopter, the complex is going through preliminary flight tests.
The Aist-62 system ensures the operation of the Ka-62 helicopter’s onboard communication subsystem. The system antennas are built into the composite dielectric fuselage skin of the helicopter without compromising its aerodynamic characteristics. This approach improves the efficiency and reliability of antennas while reducing the level of power consumption by communication systems.
Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET) demonstrated the new avionics for Ansat helicopters and other samples of avionics. Developed by Ramensky Instrument Engineering Plant, which is part of the holding, the unified avionics complex allows to perform visual and instrument flights. Being equipped with such complex, Ansat can be piloted by one or two crew members, day and night, in both standard and adverse meteorological conditions. The complex facilities are used to measure, compute and display flight and navigation parameters, a digital map of the area includes a database of the terrain parameters, natural and artificial obstacles, displays the operational data of the power plant and helicopter equipment.
The complex includes an electronic display system consisting of large-scale LCD indicators, a redundant helicopter control computational system and an electronic navigation map. The distinctive characteristics of the complex are its compact layout, small weight, low power consumption, high reliability of the complex components, capacity of functional expansion, as well as maintenance “on condition”.
In addition, the Ramensky Instrument Engineering Plant’s exposition at HeliRussia 2019 included a flight navigation complex for the Ka-226T and Ka-32 type helicopters. The system is designed to solve the piloting tasks and to provide instrumental navigation of a helicopter even in the most adverse weather conditions.
NPP Izmeritel, which is part of KRET, presented at the exhibition its small-sized МСР-1 registration system and an onboard monitoring and registration system based on integrated modular avionics.
Other enterprises of the concern – Aviaavtomatika, AP Voskhod, Ryazan State Instrumentation Plant, Techpribor, Ulyanovsk Instrument Manufacturing Design Bureau, Ekran Research Institute, Electroavtomatica Design Bureau, and Ramensky Instrument Production Plant – also took part in HeliRussia 2019 in the KRET’s exhibit.
Navigator demonstrated the samples of aviation instruments at HeliRussia 2019. In particular, the stand of the company included a compact air surveillance system МСНВО-2010, an onboard compact transmitting system ISK, an aircraft responder СО-2010, a ground proximity early warning system SRPBZ, an air collision warning system SPSV, a navigation and landing system BMS², as well as multi-functional indicators.
At HeliRussia 2019, the Ryazan Research and Production Enterprise “Alexander” presented a prototype of a UV direction-finder with a matrix resolution of 2048×2048. It will become part of the Aviation Onboard Defense Complex “President-S” developed by KRET.
The Kronshtadt Group also presented its UV direction-finder model. The high-precision device allows to detect corona discharges occurring at the damaged points of wires and insulators of high-voltage power lines. The direction finder can perform its monitoring function in adverse weather conditions from different angles at night and daytime.
The Kronshtadt Group also presented a LED searchlight with a motorized rotating unit and a control panel. Its design features allow to install it on aircraft of various types and use it at any time, day and night, in adverse weather conditions. The patented optical system provides a smooth adjustment of the light radiation angle and low electrical power consumption, which allows the searchlight to be installed on small helicopters. The ability to quickly change the type and number of radiation sources makes the searchlight a very essential unit when conducting search and rescue operations on water and on land.
At the NPO Nauka’s stand, the developments for the aviation industry, such as heat exchangers, turbo-refrigerators, overpressure regulators, temperature controllers, ejectors, thermal valves, and dehumidifiers, were presented.
For the first time at the exhibition, the Tulpar Group presented the products of the Kazan Scientific-Production Enterprise “Helicopters-Mi”: external supplementary fuel tanks VDB.6130.00 and emergency ditching systems SAP.4011.00 for Mi-8/17 helicopters.
The US company Pall Aerospace presented dust filters at HeliRussia 2019. The models for the new Mi-171A2 helicopter’s engines, which can be used on modern Mi-8/17 helicopters of any type, as well as the PA100 model for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 helicopter, were demonstrated. The use of Pall air filters makes it possible to efficiently and safely operate helicopter equipment in various climatic conditions and to protect engines from dust, sea salt, rain, ice, snow and small particles.
At HeliRussia 2019, the US Collins Aerospace demonstrated special helicopter seats. This company has been recently formed out of two companies – UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins (which included B/E Aerospace Company). According to modern helicopter certification standards, crew and passenger seats should meet strict requirements, and Collins Aerospace is developing models that meet the latest standards.
The Swiss SCHILLER showcased its latest development – an indirect heart massage device – EASY PULSE, which is the optimal solution for medevac helicopter cabins with limited space. This compact indirect heart massage device with a wide range of functional capabilities, which provides effective resuscitation functions, was practically demonstrated at the company’s stand using a special dummy.
French-based Safran Helicopter Engines presented the Aneto engine at HeliRussia 2019. Developed for ultra-medium and heavy helicopters, Aneto contains all experience and advanced technologies of Safran. The Aneto family will have several engine models with a power range from 2500 and more than 3000 ph.
Aviation developments
The Russian leader in the production of electroacoustic transducers, the Octava Plant, 2019 presented a line of telephone-microphone headsets for operating onboard communications equipment at HeliRussia GSH-A-18M, GSH-А18М-1, and a family of headsets for various purposes with medium-level noise protection – GSH-А-41, GSH-А-18B. At the Octava booth, it was possible to see the headsets used to operate ground communications equipment GSH-P-22, GNSH-P-23, GNSH-23 and a small-sized dynamic loudspeaker GDM-1, which is manufactured for the needs of civil field communications.
In addition, the Octava exposition presented the TG-7M, TG-16 headphones, the MKE-214, MKE-223, MKE-224, MKE-226, MKE-228, MKE-394, MKE-393А condenser electret microphones, the MKE-16E compact dynamic microphone.
Several French companies once again took part in HeliRussia 2019 in the form of a joint stand. Among such companies are ESI Group, Permaswage, Nicomatic and Hutchinson Aerospace. The national pavilion “France” was organized by the Nauka Innov center.
The developer of specialized software, the ESI Group, took part in HeliRussia for the first time. The company presented a new approach to the process of assembling aircraft using virtual reality possibilities. The IC.IDO solution, an interactive virtual reality system with a helmet, controllers and 3D visualization system, was demonstrated in real conditions. The modeling solutions for production processes of components and assemblies – from casting, welding, forging, 3D printing of parts to the creation of composite materials – were demonstrated at the expo. The methods for developing a hybrid twin unit or a unit for preventive maintenance and certification during design stages were presented.
Permaswage demonstrated the technology of fittings, which is used in foreign helicopter industry area, as well as in new Russian aircrafts – SSJ100 and MS-21. Nicomatic presented the innovative SmartCo solution, which is based on reflectometry principles and allows diagnostics of aircraft electrical lines, including fault localization and determination of the nature of damage. This solution is used on models of Airbus Helicopters. Hutchinson Aerospace demonstrated advanced electronic and technological solutions in the field of air vibration damping.
MRO companies
The MRO agenda was widely presented at the exposition of Russian Helicopters at HeliRussia 2019. The holding includes 7 service companies and a specialized management company. At the expo, Russian Helicopters presented a new development strategy for after-sale services for Russian civil helicopters, which was developed by Helicopter Service Company (HSC). The strategy includes a service package called RH Support. This format allows to create a package of services that meets the helicopters’ operational requirements throughout their life cycle.
The packaged solutions will allow all customers of Russian Helicopters to receive a full range of services: logistics, including access to a spare parts pool (exchange-return stock), maintenance and repair of helicopters, technical support and access to operational documentation. The purpose of packaged solutions is to ensure a given level of helicopter equipment operability and to control the level of expenses for its operation.
It should be noted that in the new after-sale services strategy of Russian Helicopters, maintenance and repair of helicopters can be performed not only at aircraft repair plants and in organizations managed by HSC, but also by mobile teams and in authorized service centers outside Russia. To support the operation of helicopters, more than 20 maintenance and repair centers were established or authorized in the CIS countries, in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
Another innovative project in the field of service, which was presented by the holding at HeliRussia 2019, is the distance learning system Learning Management System. It allows to provide training for engineering staff in online mode. After completing such training, to obtain a certificate, a specialist needs to pass only the practical part and testing in the training center of the holding.
The stand of SPARK, one of the largest aircraft repair enterprises in Russia, was also presented at HeliRussia 2019. SPARK specializes in overhauling and upgrading the Mi-8/17 helicopters of all modifications, as well as the Ka-27 and Ka-32s. The plant is presented on the international market and additionally offers for delivery on turnkey basis the service centers for maintenance and repair of helicopters produced by Russian companies.
The Tulpar Group presented a range of services for helicopter owners: helicopter flight and technical maintenance, cabin upgrading services, services for fuel, rescue and lifting systems of helicopters.
Foreign service companies were also presented at HeliRussia 2019. The stand of the Belarusian Aircraft Repair Plant No. 558 contained information on the activities of the plant in the field of repair, modernization and maintenance of aircraft equipment. In particular, the plant carries out maintenance and repair operations for Mi-8/17 and Mi-24/35 helicopters.
The Czech LOM PRAHA presented its capabilities for maintenance, repair and upgrade of “Mi” helicopters, as well as aircraft engines. Nowadays, it is the only service company conducting maintenance and repairing operations for “Mi” helicopters in NATO and EU countries that is certified by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and UEC-Klimov.
Specialised companies
This year the HeliRussia 2019 presented the “Helipad in details” exposition for the first time, which showcased facilities and equipment needed for heliports.
The Aerotema presented its new development – OVP-2 helipad lights. This model is a promising upgrade model of the lights of the previous series (OVP-1) and is intended to be used at facilities of heliports and landing sites as the lights of the lighting equipment complex.
As part of the exposition, Veltplast demonstrated its capabilities in the production, installation of LED, lighting, meteorological and other equipment for heliports and landing sites.
Russian Helicopter Systems presented its autonomous mobile complex of lighting equipment, which can be used to support helicopters during take-off and landing operations in the dark. One of the notable advantages of this development is the installation speed: the deployment time of the complex takes only 5 minutes.
The complex consists of 10 dust- and moisture-proof light sources, packaged in 2 containers, which also serve as charging devices. The lighting equipment is able to be operated autonomously for up to 2 hours, depending on the intensity of lighting and the chosen mode of operation, and the support plate ensures its stable position during takeoff and landing of helicopters. This complex can be used for the needs of medical aviation services, as well as during rescue operations, for example at unequipped sites.
The manufacturer of power sources and supply systems, the Scientific and Technical Center AKTOR, presented its products and prospective developments: onboard and aerodrome power sources, simulators and recorders of electrical power quality parameters of aircraft and helicopter power-supply systems, brightness controls for aerodrome lighting equipment, autonomous power installations and uninterruptible power supply units.
VSMPO-Avisma demonstrated the samples of its main products – titanium pipes, bars, sheets, plates, rolled rings and forgings to be used in aviation.
HeliRussia 2019 annually demonstrates the products of both civil and military sectors. The Rosoboronexport presents the information on Russian-made military helicopters of all classes being in demand on the world market, as well as on complexes with unmanned aircraft. The main emphasis is made on the Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28NE Night Hunter. Ansat, Ka-226T and other models were also presented. As the results of the expo, which is regularly visited by foreign delegations, the company expects to get increased interest in Russian military helicopters.
Unmanned aviation
As always, the HeliRussia 2019 demonstrated a range of new products and developments in the field of unmanned systems. There were 8 large unmanned aircraft presented at the expo. It is noteworthy that at the expo this year, two hybrid unmanned aircraft were presented.
The “Surveying from the air” company presented the GeoDrone model – a hybrid unmanned aircraft with a gas-electric engine for search and rescue operations.
The Research and Production Enterprise Esso (R7 Technology) presented a DELTA H 1600 H drone-hybrid, the power unit of which is a gasoline two-stroke engine with an electric generator that provides high performance.
The Innovative Integrated Systems company demonstrated an unmanned industrial complex FIXAR, which is characterized by autonomy and scalability of the proposed schemes. The main feature of the FIXAR leader models is an aerodynamic configuration with vertical take-off and landing operations combined with wing lifting force and fixed rotor angles. Thanks to its layout, an increased energy efficiency and simplicity of scaling are provided.
ZALA AERO presented the entire line of unmanned aircraft, their equipment, ground control stations, as well as specialized software for automatic object recognition. Among the company’s new developments is an airborne laser scanning technology, which currently has no alternative in terms of the amount of information being received, data accuracy and performance parameters.
The Kronshtadt Group demonstrated various loads for unmanned aircraft, automatic take-off and landing systems, and software for processing data from various loads in the interests of companies from the energy, agriculture and forestry sectors. Kronshtadt also demonstrated a laser positioning system for unmanned aircraft. The military version of laser positioning systems can be used in conjunction with the promising Orion UAV.
At HeliRussia 2019, the McFly.аero Consortium demonstrated the project of electric air unmanned taxi Bartini being developed in Russia, which is now at the stage of flight tests.
At the KRET stand, its subsidiary enterprise, Industrial Automation Design Bureau, presented the systems used for unmanned aircraft, including those used by the Ministry for Emergency Situations (EMERCOM).
Documents signed
Traditionally, a number of important documents were signed at HeliRussia 2019. Russian Helicopters and Polar Airlines signed an agreement on delivery of seven Ansat helicopters. The first delivery is planned on 2021.
The State Transport Leasing company (STLC) signed a number of agreements with Russian airlines. Thus, a leasing agreement for the Mi-8AMT (domestic version of the Mi-171) helicopter was signed with Yeltsovka Airlines, and an agreement of intent to conclude a leasing agreement for the Mi-8MTV-1 (Mi-172) helicopters with PANH Helicopters.
Russian Helicopter Systems concluded two international contracts. The contract with the Portuguese PBS Aviation regulates the supply of Russian Helicopter Systems’ services within the framework of international humanitarian projects implemented under the aegis of UN. Russian Helicopter Systems and the South Korean Sharp Aviation signed a memorandum of intent to supply four Russian Mi-8MTV helicopters and four Ansat helicopters for passenger transport and fire fighting in South Korea.
UTair-Engineering and UEC-Klimov signed a distribution agreement on the provision of after-sale services for the TV3-117 and VK-2500 helicopter engines in Russia at the facilities of the joint Center for Mid-level Engine Repairs, which was opened in 2018 in Tyumen. Last year, the Center repaired 12 TV3-117ВVM engines, and UTair-Engineering specialists were among the first specialists to master maintenance procedures for the new VK-2500 turboshafts.
UTair-Engineering and Helicopter Service Company of the Russian Helicopters signed an agreement for the repair of a large batch of aviation equipment and units. The service enterprises of the holding are going to repair 19 VR-14/VR-8A gearboxes, as well as 5 TV3-117VM powerplants.
Safran Helicopter Engines signed a contract with the Russian company Citicopter, by which it becomes the official distributor of French engines of the Arriel and Arrius families in Russia and the CIS countries. Currently, about 150 Safran helicopter engines are used in Russia, mainly on the models produced by foreign companies. However, Safran engines are also installed on the Ka-226T and prospective Ka-62 helicopters. The company predicts an increase in the number of its engines being used in the Russian civil sector.
Aviazapchast and RotorSchmiede signed a distribution agreement on selling VA-115 helicopters presented at the expo and on providing after-sale services for them in Russia and abroad.
Business Program
The business program of HeliRussia is traditionally of high importance. This year the XI International Conference “Helicopters’ Market: Realities and Prospects” and the discussion “Financial Instruments for the Helicopter Industry” were among the most important business events. The Petroglyph Group – a supplier of mineral water – became a partner in organizing the business program of the expo.
The International Conference “Helicopters’ Market: Realities and Prospects” is one of the “brand identity” of HeliRussia and offers participants truly unique and nowhere else published data on the state and growth prospects of the Russian civil helicopter market. At the Conference, the reports were made by: Alexander Evdokimov, CEO of Jet Transfer, an official representative of Bell, Cessna Aircraft and Beechcraft in Russia; Paulo Menegusso, Marketing Director of Honeywell Analytics; Paul de Jonge van Elmet, Vice President of Leonardo Helicopters; Mikhail Kazachkov, Chairman of the Board of the Helicopter Industry Association; Oleg Landin, Director of Marketing and Business Development of the Russian Helicopters; Sergey Klochkov, Deputy Commercial Director of Airbus Helicopters Vostok. The Conference moderator was Oleg Panteleev, Head of the Analytical Service of the AviaPort Industry Agency. The Conference was organized by the Helicopter Industry Association, Aviaport and EGO Translating SB.
During the Conference, it was noted that the natural retirement of the aging Mi-8T(P) and Mi-2 helicopters is successfully compensated by the supply of new Mi-8MTV/AMT and Ansat helicopters. Even without regulatory restrictions, the retirement of helicopters will continue anyway. The leading driver of the renewal of the Russian air fleet is the state program of medical aviation services. The experts also noted that currently there is a certain saturation of the market with helicopters, and the development of supplies should be expected only with the introduction of new helicopter models.
As for the figures, according to estimates mentioned by Paulo Menegusso, 765 turboshaft helicopters will be supplied to the world market annually, and during 10 years about 8600 such machines will be delivered. The estimates of the Russian Helicopters almost coincide with these figures: according representative of the holding, until 2028 the average number of purchased turboshaft helicopters with will increase by about 2% annually and will give the number of about 860 machines at the end of the period. More than half of the market will be occupied by light single-engine helicopters, and 22% of all sales will fall on helicopters with take-off weight of 2-4 tons with two engines. To satisfy these customers, Russian Helicopters offer the Ansat and new VRT500 helicopters.
The discussion “Financial Instruments for the Helicopter Industry” was the first event of such type in the program of the HeliRussia. The discussion was organized by the Helicopter Industry Association as a platform for exchanging the points of view on the operation of the main financing instruments for the helicopter industry.
One of the key speakers at the discussion was Natalia Trofimova, Director for Strategy and Development of RVS-HOLDING, Candidate of Economic Sciences. She presented to the participants of the meeting a report on the topic “Financing of the helicopter industry: market conditions and industry specifics”. Dmitry Lysogorsky, Director of the Aviation Industry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation also made a report on this topic. Alexander Kartashov, Candidate of Law, Associate Professor of the Department of Financial Law of the Kutafin Moscow State Law University, presented a current set of tax concessions aimed at stimulating the development of the domestic aviation industry.
Andrei Berdnikov, Director of the Air Transport Directorate of STLC, made a report on the development of leasing services for the products of the domestic helicopter industry. The presentations were also made by Dmitry Kazansky, Head of the Interregional Inspectorate of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation for Major Taxpayers No. 6; Andrey Dominov, Account Director for large corporate clients of Alfa Leasing; Pavel Piskun, Director of the Account Department for main clients of Sberbank Leasing; Dmitry Tumansky, Director of Process and Product Development Department of Promsvyazbank; Nikolay Konorev, Head of Sales Department of Sberbank Insurance; and Ruslan Kubarev, Vice President of the Account Directorate for major clients of VSK insurance company. The event was moderated by Alexander Guschin, Deputy Director of the Corporate Ratings Group of the Analytical Credit Rating Agency.
Among other events, the Helicopter Industry Association held an open meeting of the Helicopter Industry Association Technical Committee on the topic “Improving Maintenance Regulations as an Element for Increasing the Competitiveness of Domestic Helicopters”, and a seminar “Q&A on Military Approbation of Aviation Inventory in Civil Aviation”.
At the meeting of the Technical Committee of Helicopter Industry Association, the helicopter industry specialists, current and potential purchasers of Russian-made helicopters, could learn about the long-awaited development of new regulations for the Mi-8AMT/MTV models, which are based on the most modern principles and thus increase the efficiency of technical maintenance of these models.
The seminar “Q&A on Military Approbation of Aviation Inventory in Civil Aviation” was held jointly with the RUSSIAN HOUSE OF AVIATION. The seminar looked into the lack of operational regulations for military representatives in civil aviation and collected suggestions of participants on the formation of a system of independent inspections for the production of aviation inventory. Special attention of the industry community to this issue can be explained by the fact that any alternatives planned by regulators will directly affect not only the company’s manufacturing helicopters and equipment, but also the quality, as well as the costs and efficiency of working procedures of operator companies and suppliers of aviation inventory.
Other relevant events were held at HeliRussia 2019: IV Conference on Unmanned Aviation, II All-Russian Conference on the Development of Agricultural Aviation, VII Scientific and Practical Conference Aircrafe Avionics, Conferences “Modern Tendencies in the Development of After-Sale Services for Russian Helicopters” and “Modern Rescue Operation Techniques”.
The presentation “Training for Engineering Staff of the Helicopter Industry at the Department of Helicopters Design” of the Moscow Aviation Institute, a talent foundry for the Russian Helicopter Industry, was oriented to high school students. The graduates of the faculty are employed by Kamov Design Bureau and Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, as well as by other helicopter plants throughout the country.
The All-Russian Center for Emergency Medicine “Zaschita” held a first-aid master class – the visitors of the expo were able to learn the algorithms of actions in case of accidents and injuries and ask some questions to specialists. Such events play a significant role in raising the training level of ordinary people for the proper actions in emergency situations.
Ceremonial events
The official ceremony of transferring two Mi-8AMT helicopters produced by the Russian Helicopters via the State Transport Leasing Company to the operator – the Russian Helicopter Systems took place at the exhibition stage.
From its side, the Russian Helicopter Systems handed over the kits of lighting equipment to support night-time take-off and landing of helicopters to the Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod Centers for Emergency Medicine to ensure round-the-clock operation of medevac helicopters.
The official ceremony of awarding the winners and laureates of the international Photo Contest “Beauty of rotary-wing machines” was held during the expo. Being the annual accompanying event of HeliRussia, this was the 12th contest held in succession. During these years, this contest earned high popularity and attracted wide interest. This year, 365 works from 85 participants from different countries were submitted to this contest.
This year, the children drawing contest “Magic Helicopter” was held for the first time. 243 works from 17 regions of Russia participated in this contest. HeliRussia actively increases interest in the helicopter industry both among students and among the youngest visitors, and the helicopter drawing contest has become a unifying event for children of several age categories.
Next year the expo will continue its work. HeliRussia 2020 is planned to be held on May 21-23.
