On May 24th, during the show HeliRussia, Russian Helicopters presented for the first time the VRT500, its latest light multipurpose helicopter, developed by the engineering consulting firm VR-Technologies. This new machine developed in cooperation with the international team will become the first helicopter of the holding company in the light helicopter segment with a maximum take-off weight of 2 tons. For the manufacturer it is an important step because it allows them to penetrate into a market segment representing 18% of the world helicopter fleet.
« Numerous Russian and foreign operators are already interested in the VRT500 » states Andrey Boginsky, President general manager of Russian Helicopters, before adding: « Strategic partnership agreements have already been signed as part of the promotional program for the helicopter in international markets. We estimate that by 2035, we will sell approximately 1,000 helicopters, which will allow us to take up to 15% of the world market share for light helicopters with a maximum take-off weight of 2 tons. Market analysis shows that this category of helicopters will be the largest ».
Concerning the progress of the program, the helicopter manufacturer indicates that the engineers began to conduct the structural tests, with the aerodynamic tests planned in the short term.
« We enter into the market of light helicopters with up to 2 tons of take-off weight for the first time in many years. This market is very competitive, which forces manufacturers to increase their requirements for quality, reliability and capabilities. The VRT500 performs excellently which, with the keen price, should lead to success for the helicopter both in the domestic and foreign markets », said Anatoly Serdyukov, Industrial Director, of the Rostec State Corporation.
The VRT500 is a light single-engine helicopter with coaxial propellers and 1,600 kg of take-off weight. The aircraft will be able to transport 5 people and will be equipped with the latest generation avionics components. The performances of the helicopter will allow it to accelerate up to 250 km/h and have up to 860 km of range and up to 730 kg of payload.
The helicopter will be proposed in various configurations and for various types of missions such as passenger transport, freight, but also for training and sanitary evacuation (EMS).
