Russia and China to Co-operate on Development of Advanced Heavy-Lifter

VLADIVOSTOK. September 25. VOSTOK-MEDIA - Russian Helicopters, JCS, has embarked on the bilateral cooperation with Chinese partners on AHL (Advanced Heavy-Lifter) development.

“Working together with our Chinese partners we have formed a clear understanding of what sort of customers will be in the market for this helicopter and at present we are studying the technical characteristics of an advanced and commercially viable model. Also, we are developing the ground for conducting technical and economic analysis of the project,” – Andrey Shibitov, CEO of Russian Helicopters, was quoted by Ballance Intelligent Manufacturing Magazine, as saying.

According to Andrey Shibitov, the study of the matter at hand is proceeding. The results of the pre-investment feasibility study will be announced in autumn, 2009.

Andrey Shibitov also noted that China shows deep interest in such helicopters. He noted that Beijing has a large experience in operating one of the most heavy-lifting helicopters in the world – Mi-26TS, which were used during rectification of the consequences of the earthquake, occurred in China in 2008.