Rostec to create VRT500 prototype by the end of 2019

Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) will produce light utility helicopter prototype, VRT500, designed by VR-Technologies design bureau, by the end of 2019, according to the company, who added that helicopter rotor system strength tests are now underway. VR-Technologies’ specialists are going to start aerodynamic tests in the near future.

The helicopter is expected to be supplied in the following configurations: passenger, utility, cargo, training, VIP, and Medevac. Russian Helicopters claims that the model will be the first medevac helicopter in the world in the segment of helicopters with maximum take-off weight up to two tons to ensure loading and unloading of unified gurneys through the rear cabin doors, which simplifies the process and allows significantly reducing time.

“This helicopter combines high flight performance and a great price with operating costs, in addition to its spacious cabin, largest in its class. These characteristics shall allow VRT500 to occupy up to 15 per cent of the global market of civil helicopters with maximum take-off weight up to two tons. We expect to produce and sell an average of 700 helicopters by 2030,” Alexander Okhonko, VR-Technologies director general, said. According to him, about 30 per cent of supply would be destined to the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and about 15 per cent would be sent to North America, Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Russia and CIS.