Ansat helicopters gets increased load capacity

Ansat helicopters, produced at the Kazan Helicopter Plant of Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation), will now be able to carry an added 150 to 200 kilograms (330 to 440 pounds) after the conclusion of a study by specialists at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute on a new dynamic configuration of the main rotor.

According to the results of the tests, the aircrafts efficiency will increase by five per cent, while the thrust could increase by 200 to 250 kg (440 to 550 lb).

“We are grateful to our colleagues from the Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute for their work aimed at improving the performance of the Ansat helicopter, which is one of the keys to the holding in the light helicopter segment, and we intend to further expand its capabilities in close cooperation with TsAGI and other partners,” said Andrei Boginsky, General Director of Russian Helicopters.

The next stage of the modernisation process would hopefully increase the carrying capacity of the aircraft by 400 to 450 kg (880 to 990 lb), while the research team is also developing a new aerodynamic configuration of the helix of the helicopter, which will improve flight safety.

The Ansat helicopter is a light twin-engine chopper which has a payload of 1,300 kg.