European Aviation Market Becomes One of the Top Priorities for Russian Helicopter Industry

Paris, France/20 June 2011 – The aviation market of the European Union (EU) is one of the most important markets for the Russian Helicopters holding company, a part of United Industrial Corporation Oboronprom. The EU is one of the top priorities for the presence of Russian rotorcraft, including possible prospective deliveries and joint Russian-European projects in rotorcraft design and construction.

“The Russian Helicopters holding company and its intellectual and production assets are building up their presence in the international industrial cooperation system,” Dmitry Petrov, CEO of Russian Helicopters, said at the 49th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, opening today. “In this context, cooperation with European partners has always been a priority for us. Today we are already running several international projects in rotorcraft construction with French companies, including the Ka-226T and Ka-62 helicopters that have become a great example of effective industrial cooperation between Russia and France.”

The light Ka-226T helicopter fitted with Arrius 2G engines of French company Turbomeca is bidding in an Indian tender for the delivery of 197 light helicopters and has become one of the first modern cooperation projects accomplished jointly by Russian rotorcraft manufacturers and French engine-building companies.

In May 2011 Russian Helicopters and Turbomeca signed a contract for the delivery of the first batch of 40 Ardiden 3G engines for the Russian medium twin Ka-62 within a contract for 308 engines of this type. This is one more example of mutually beneficial relations between Russia and France in the rotorcraft industry.

Find out more about the achievements of Russian Helicopters on the European market at Paris Air Show – Le Bourget 2011, open 20—26 June, at stand C198 in pavilion 2A, and see the most modern civil and military rotorcraft of Russian make, including the medium multi-role Ka-32A11BC.

In autumn 2009 the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certificated the Russian multi-role Ka-32A11BC for commercial operation. Such success of the Russian rotorcraft manufacturers was greatly aided by active interaction with Spanish operators Inaer and Faasa Aviacion. 13 rescue and firefighting Ka-32A11BC helicopters were delivered to these companies in 2004—2008. They were highly appraised by the companies as ranking among the best in firefighting and rescue operations.

The cooperation of Russian Helicopters with European state authorities and commercial companies is not limited to sales and deliveries. The holding company is working on several joint projects:

• Improving the aftersale service and logistic support system for Russian rotorcraft;

• Updating already delivered Russian rotorcraft to comply with EASA requirements;

• Improving the parts delivery service with a possibility to create a logistics centre.

Within these projects Kamov JSC, a part of Russian Helicopters, is proceeding with certification of the Inaer service centre for Ka-32A11BC helicopters.

A project to create a certified pilot training centre for Ka-32A11BC pilots and practice firefighting missions with rotorcraft of other makes is being explored at a fast pace.

The holding company plans to implement these projects in 2011-2012, which will greatly broaden the use of Russian rotorcraft in European countries, not limiting them to rescue and firefighting operations.