Russia To Supply Transport Helicopters To China

Russian Helicopters and China's Lectern Aviation Supplies signed a contract for the Mi-26TS heavy transport helicopter.

Under the contract, the helicopter will be delivered in 2015."The Mi-26TS is widely used by Chinese operators," noted Russian Helicopters' Deputy CEO for Sales and Marketing Grigory Kozlov. "This model is already used both for complex transport missions and for fire-fighting and emergency response duties." 

These helicopters can carry 20 tonnes of cargo internally or on an external sling, a record for any series-produced transport helicopter. In China, the Mi-26TS is used to transport heavy loads, technology and personnel, as well as in emergency evacuation operations and on firefighting missions.

Mi-26TS helicopters were used in the clear-up operation following the devastating earthquakes in China's Sichuan province in 2008 and 2013.

Commercial operators in China currently operate three Mi-26TS helicopters. Two are in Qingdao Helicopter's fleet, and the third is operated by Flying Dragon.