HELIRUSSIA 2018 - PREMIERS AND TRENDS

This year the event will be held from 24 to 26 May in Moscow, Crocus Expo IEC. HeliRussia annually brings together the world’s leading manufacturers of helicopter equipment: Russian Helicopters Group, European companies Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters, American Bell and Robinson Helicopter. The exhibition will also be attended by many other companies in the helicopter industry, including operators, engine manufacturers, aircraft systems and components, additional equipment, suppliers of various services and service companies.

The Russian market remains highly attractive for international business, despite the critical rhetoric towards Russia on the part of individual States. Companies from 19 countries are represented at HeliRussia 2018: Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, Iran, Korea, Lithuania, Libya, Malta, Russia, the USA, France, Finland, the Czech Republic, Poland and South Africa.

The secret to the success of the HeliRussia exhibition is in its ability to demonstrate the development of the helicopter industry in all its diversity, and to unite other industries that have some bearing on the helicopter business. This year HeliRussia will showcase companies that represent a new sector exhibition — the petrochemical industry and production of titanium materials.

As always, HeliRussia will sum up the results of the past year, present innovative products and the current areas of development of the industry, some of which are as follows:

2017 showed that the Russian helicopter industry is able to cope with both global and local challenges. The negative factors affecting the helicopter industry include the continuing crisis in the oil and gas industry and the reduction of the State defense order. On the other hand, the helicopter industry has enjoyed the positive impact of the medical aviation development program in Russia, which from 2017 is being allocated more than three billion rubles annually, and last year a total of 29 Ansat and Mi-8/17 helicopters were delivered.

In total, the plants of the Russian Helicopters Group delivered 214 helicopters in 2017, which is 25 more than in 2016. In the Russian helicopter industry the helicopter production increased from 2009 to 2013, while from 2014 to 2016 there was a decline in production.

Number of helicopters produced in the Russian Federation

The significant increase in production in 2017 and the order portfolio for 2018 demonstrates that the Russian helicopter industry is emerging from the crisis. The growth in the size of the helicopter fleet in the Russian civil aviation registry attests to this. According to open data from the Federal Air Transport Agency, as of January 1, 2018, the helicopter fleet had increased by 29 units from the previous year, whereas according to data as of January 1, 2017, the fleet had reduced by 12 units from 2016. This was the first and only reduction in the last 9 years.

There was also an increase in foreign-made helicopters: the total shipments of foreign-made helicopters to Russia in 2017 increased by 15 units from the previous year.

Foreign-made helicopters

Out of the foreign-made helicopters, the most popular in Russia are helicopters manufactured by the American Robinson Helicopter Company, the world’s largest producer of civilian helicopters. As of January 2017, the company had produced 12,000 helicopters since its inception (1973).

Currently three models are mass produced: the two-seater R22, the four-seater R44, and the five-seater R66 with a Rolls-Royce RR300 engine, which began production in 2010. The most popular in Russia is the R44, which, according to open data from the Federal Air Transport Agency for January 1, 2018, 340 units were registered, with 106 R66s and six R22s registered.

Robinson helicopters

Annually Robinson helicopters account for more than than 50% of all deliveries of foreign-made helicopters to Russia (except for 2015). On January 1, 2018, 55.2% of the total number of foreign-made helicopters in the Russian fleet was from this company. In 2017, 23 Robinson helicopters were imported (compared to 15 in 2016), of which 15 were R66 and 8 were R44 helicopters. New helicopters delivered directly from the manufacturer make up the lion’s share of imported helicopters.

Foreign helicopters produced by companies other than Robinson helicopters

In terms of mid-range helicopters, the unchanged leading importer to Russia remains Airbus Helicopters. In 2017, it saw an increase of 2 units. Leonardo Helicopters saw a significant increase in imports in 2017 of 6 units, which is due to a contract with Rosneft Oil Company.

Currently, the Russian civil aviation register contains 69% Russian-made helicopters and 31% foreign-made helicopters.

The number of accidents decreased from 2016. According to AOPA-Russia (the Interregional Public Organization of Pilots and Citizen Owners of Aircraft), in 2017 there were 16 helicopter accidents in Russia, 7 of which led to the death of a total of 16 people. In 2017, 12 helicopters were decommissioned in connection with aviation accidents, and 9 of them were foreign-manufactured. In 2016, there were 23 accidents, 10 of which led to the death of 39 people, 23 helicopters were decommissioned, 19 of which were foreign-manufactured. It is worthwhile noting that we cannot correctly measure flight safety levels — we must take into account the accident rate in comparison with the number of flights, but Rosaviatsiya does not keep statistics on flight numbers.

The growth in the production of Russian-made helicopters and the increase in the import of foreign equipment demonstrate that the helicopter industry market is now recovering. And this will be reflected in the HeliRussia 2018 exhibition, which will see more premieres than ever before.

Before entering the exhibition pavilion, the guests will be met by Mi-171A2 and Ansat civil helicopters, as well as the upgraded military Mi-171Sh.

An interesting premiere at HeliRussia 2018 will be the new Kasatka 505 helicopter developed by the Russian AGAN AIRCRAFT GROUP. It is a light multipurpose helicopter, which is built on the basis of the Sikorsky S-52 helicopter carrier system and which seats four people together with the pilot. The helicopter has a modern fuselage and avionics and is equipped with a Lycoming O-540 engine and a three-bladed rotor.

Also, the AGAN AIRCRAFT GROUP will demonstrate at its stand CH-77 Ranabot helicopter from the Italian manufacturer Heli-Sport. This model was launched in November 2017 for the first time in Russia. This two-seater helicopter is ideal for private use and pilot training.

As always HeliRussia will contain a large exposition by Rostek and its affiliated companies: the Russian Helicopters Group — the main sponsor of the exhibition, Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies, Tehnodinamika, United Engine Corporation, Rosoboronexport, the Shvabe Group, Ruselectronics, RPKB, Aeropribor-Voskhod, Research and Production Enterprise Izmeritel, Techpribor, Research and Production Enterprise Polet, OPK, Experimental Design Bureau Electroavtomatika, KBPA, Ramensky Instrument-Making Plant , UKBP, and others.

The Russian Helicopters Group will present a Russian premiere —VRT500 light multipurpose helicopter with coaxial rotors and a takeoff weight of 1,600 kg. The helicopter developed by the design bureau BP-Technologies will have the most spacious cargo cabin in its class with a total capacity of up to 5 people and will be equipped with a modern avionics complex built on the glass cabin principle. The helicopter can reach a speed of up to 230 km/h, with a range of up to 1,000 km, and carry a payload of 750 kg.

The helicopter is offered in passenger, multipurpose, cargo, training, VIP and medical evacuation configurations. At the same time, in the segment with a take-off weight of up to two tons, VRT500 will be the world’s first medical evacuation helicopter with the ability to load and unload standard portable beds through the rear doors of the cabin, which simplifies the process and saves considerable time.

At HeliRussia 2018, where in addition to helicopters new unmanned aerial vehicles are demonstrated every year, the world’s first commercial multi-rotor SKYF air cargo platform will be presented for the first time.

Designed by Kazan Design Bureau Avioresheniya, the SKYF is intended specifically for the transportation of goods. The maximum carrying capacity of the apparatus under test is up to 250 kg, while with a cargo of 50 kg flight range reaches 350 km and flight duration is up to 8 hours.

In addition to cargo transportation, SKYF air cargo platform can be used for crop dusting and fire extinguishing. Efficiency and safety of aviation operations are provided by a unique patented aerodynamic scheme with separate lifting and steering rotors, a new control model, and advanced equipment and software.

The development of SKYF platform began in 2014, and the first full-size prototype flight took place in the spring of 2016. Now more than 30 experts are involved in the development of the platform, testing and improving. The model differs significantly from other multi-rotor systems, it is equipped with a gasoline engine and has full autonomy. HeliRussia 2018 will feature a fully operational SKYF prototype participating in flight tests.

This year will see the premiere of Sirius, developed by NPO Aerospace Technologies. This is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can remain in the air for several days and perform flights in difficult climatic conditions, for example, in the Arctic region. Sirius can climb to a height of more than 10 kilometers, and its take-off weight is 140 kilograms. The device is capable of performing a number of functions: escorting aircraft, performing ice reconnaissance and inspecting pipelines passing through the Arctic, and also relaying radio signals.

Helicopter engine building companies, including developers and manufacturers, and also service companies will be widely represented. Undoubtedly, the main Russian player in this field is United Engine Corporation, which produces VK-2500 engines installed on most domestic helicopters. United Engine Corporation includes the engine developers Klimov and STAR; centers of competence in the field of automatic control systems for gas turbine engines.

From foreign players in the engine building sector, the products and services of Safran Helicopter Engines, H+S Aviation, Borisfen, ITP Aero, Lom Praha and PBS Velká Bíteš will be exhibited.

HeliRussia 2018 will host a premier by Safran Helicopter Engines, which will present the Aneto-1K engine with a 2,500 hp shaft used to equip the twin-engine AW189K helicopter, whose first flight was in March 2017. Commissioning is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2018.

The Aneto family of high-performance engines are designed for new generation medium and heavy helicopters and have a number of significant advantages. The exceptional power-to-engine ratio provides an increase in thrust of 25% (compared to existing engines of a comparable size). This improves the operational characteristics of helicopters when performing missions that require high engine power (offshore, search and rescue and military transport operations, fire extinguishing), as well as high altitudes and elevated temperatures.

For the first time On-Board Navigation Systems will demonstrate the prototype of the new “On-board helicopter crew situational awareness system”, created under the import substitution program. This system observes air and ground conditions in cooperation with other helicopter systems and is aimed at improving flight safety.

SPE Aerosila will present its line of auxiliary gas turbine engines used in Russian-made helicopters. The APU TA14 used on new and updated Russian helicopter models will be demonstrated. Also, Ta18-100 engine, designed for use on Mi-26T2, and Ta18-200 for next-generation helicopter technology will be demonstrated. For the first time the company will demonstrate a promising gas generator for gas turbine engines with a capacity of 1,100-1,700 hp, which will be the basis for the development of new engine models.

RD-HELI will present the third modification of its Mikron ultralight coaxial helicopter at the exhibition. The new version of the helicopter uses a rotary engine with a power of 73 hp, which provides additional power for hovering and maneuvering. The new power plant led to a change in the design of the main reducer and transmission, the reducer is produced as before — with a belt drive, but it is rotated 180 degrees. The fuselage of the helicopter is made on a new configuration, taking into account manufacturing and assembly optimization. The new version enables the installation of cockpit cowling, and a new instrument panel has been developed.

The multi- industry company RVS-HOLDING will present Ansat helicopter with a medical module — since 2017 the company has been actively involved in the development of medical aviation services, using 4 such helicopters in the Volgograd, Pskov and Kurgan regions. The company has the only private ATC in Russia that trains pilots to fly Ansat helicopter. It also trains pilots to fly the R44 and R66 helicopters, and a simulator for the R44 helicopter will be demonstrated at the exhibition.

The long-awaited premiere of the new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light helicopter will be held at HeliRussia 2018. A commercial version of the model will be demonstrated at the Bell and Jet Transfer stand, the official representativ of Bell in Russia. At the same place potential buyers will be able to discuss the terms and conditions of sale of the Bell 505 helicopter.

Bell 505 Jet Ranger X is a light helicopter designed to carry 5 people. When creating the model, the American company Bell was guided by the objective to make it the safest, most efficient and reliable helicopter. Bell 505 is equipped with an advanced Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with a dual-channel edigital control system. It has a glass cabin and Garmin G1000H flight control system that reduces the workload on the pilot. The range of the new helicopter is 566 km, it has a cruising speed of 231 km/h and can carry a payload of 680 kg.

In 2017, Bell 505 Jet Ranger X was certified in the US and Europe and in several other countries. Its certification is expected in Russia very soon, which will mean deliveries can begin. To date, over 300 helicopters of this model have been ordered worldwide, and a number of orders for Bell 505 have been made in Russia. In particular, Ural Works of Civil Aviation, which also participates in HeliRussia 2018, will become the first recipient of the helicopter. Ural Works of Civil Aviation is Bell’s partner in the licensed production of Bell 407GXP helicopter at its plant in the Sverdlovsk region.

The first demonstration of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X in Russia was at HeliRussia 2015, where a full-size prototype was demonstrated, giving the exhibition visitors the opportunity to learn about the specifications of the newly-designed product. This year the guests of HeliRussia 2018 will be able to see the commercial version of the helicopter, which will provide stiff competition with other models in its class.

Airbus Helicopters plans to demonstrate the already well-known and beloved H125 light helicopter with an updated instrumentation system based on Garmin G500H.

The Italian group Leonardo will also take part in the exhibition and demonstrate its equipment, which enjoys high demand in the Russian market.

As always, there will be a considerable number of Robinson helicopters presented by the company dealers.

Out of the foreign countries a special place is held by France — the GIFAS French Aerospace Industries Association organizes the exhibition of national companies on a single French stand. ALKAN, Leach International Europe S.A.S, Nicomatic, Hutchinson, Donaldson and Trelleborg Saling Solutions will all be present.

The HeliRussia business program is distinguished by the wide range of issues discussed. This year the exhibition program contains two new areas of interest: agricultural aviation and helicopter engine building.

At the conference on the development of agricultural aviation in Russia organized by the Agricultural Development Assistance Fund in conjunction with the HeliRussia 2018 International Helicopter Industry Exhibition, it is planned to address in detail the problems faced by the industry, from the history of its development in the Soviet times, to look into the problems faced by aviators in the modern environment, and to seek solutions that can remedy the situation in the industry. Representatives of agricultural companies, such as purchasers, airline representatives, representatives of government agencies as regulators are invited to participate in the conference.

The global development of helicopter engines in Russia and abroad will be discussed at the conference “The present and future of engine building for helicopters.” The event was organized by the Association of Aero Engine Manufactures with the support of the National Aviation Journal Krilya Rodiny (Wings of the Motherland). The moderator of the conference will be the President of the Association of Aero Engine Manufactures, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Viktor Chuiko.

The linguistic partner of the 11th HeliRussia 2018 International Helicopter Industry Exhibition EGO Translating SB will hold a panel discussion on “The life cycle of military and technical cooperation.”

Regular annual events will also be held at HeliRussia.

The prognosis for the development of the global helicopter market will be presented by Honeywell as part of the HeliRussia 2018 business program at the 10th International Conference “The helicopter market: realities and prospects”. The event is organized by the Helicopter Industry Association and the AviaPort agency and will be held on the opening day of the exhibition. At the conference details will be provided on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the development of the helicopter industry in Russia — no other Russian event provides such an in-depth analysis of the industry.

A regular event at HeliRussia is the International Research and Practical Conference “Medical aviation services and medical evacuation”, which has been held at the exhibition since 2012. During this time, the conference has become the largest venue in Russia for discussing the wide range of issues related to the development of medical aviation services, medical evacuation and the improvement of aviation rescue technologies. The open discussion format and interdisciplinary approach attracts a wide variety of experts to event. The conference will host dialogs between doctors and pilots, engineers and managers, civil and military specialists, as well as developers and operators of medical machinery and equipment.

The exhibition will feature companies that manufacture medical equipment for use in aircraft.

The 6th conference “Aviation equipment”, organized by Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies, is noteworthy. This event will be of benefit for a wide range of specialists who follow the development of avionics technologies.

The 3rd conference on the development of the unmanned aircraft system market will be held, with discussions on general issues related to manned and unmanned equipment, and special attention will be paid to the creation of target markets and the operating conditions of the industry. The conference will be organized by the AERONET Association of Operators and Developers of Unmanned Aerial Systems, whose participants will present their products on a joint stand.

The exhibition will host the 2nd “HeliRussia drone-racing cup” — an entertaining and fast-paced matchup of miniature drones piloted with “first-person view”. Drone racing was organized at HeliRussia 2016 for the first time and it attracted considerable interest: viewers can enjoy the skills of unmanned aerial vehicle pilots, and also personally view the latest technologies in the field of unmanned aircraft.

In 2017, the competitions have grown to the scale of a “Cup”, and this year they will use new generation racing drones that are characterized by the high quality of the transmitted video signal, which will be broadcast on television screens near the drone race track.

Another regular event at HeliRussia is the award ceremony for winners and laureates of the contest “Helicopters of the XXI century”. The contest has been held by Russian Helicopters since 2008 with the aim of finding talented young people and ideas for the Russian helicopter industry.

The award ceremony for the winners and laureates of the photo competition “The beauty of rotorcraft” organized by the Helicopter Industry Association will take place for the 11th time on the HeliRussia stage on Saturday, May 26. The exposition of the best 40 photographs will be open on every day of the exhibition.

For the second year in a row, an award ceremony will be held at HeliRussia for winners and laureates of the All-Russian competition of general aviation airfields and helipads, organized by the Federation of Aviation Enthusiast with the support of the Helicopter Industry Association. The organizers believe that the contest will contribute to the creation of modern general airfield infrastructure and attract investments in this area.

Held for the 11th time, the HeliRussia exhibition continues to attract wide attention from both professional and amateur audiences; it is the main arena for helicopter company representatives and government agencies to get together and talk; it stimulates inter-industry cooperation and international scientific cooperation. The exhibition stands out for its interesting topic matter, the importance of the subjects discussed, and the high level of negotiations and meetings. Every visitor to the exhibition has the opportunity to see something new and interesting and learn about the development of the helicopter industry.

Source: helirussia.ru