Design of Russian-made 'World's Fastest Helicopter' Ready

Detail design of Russia’s ship-based “Minoga” gunship, expected to fly at speed of 500kmph, which could make it the world's fastest helicopter, is ready.

"Our job has been accepted. We now continue drafting a statement of work for the next stage, for the stage of experimental design,” Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Russian Helicopters, the manufacturer, was quoted as saying by TASS Wednesday.

“The helicopter will enter its serial production from 2022. It would be able to develop a speed of up to 500 kmph,” Viktor Bondarev, former Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces, had told earlier.

Prototype of Airbus Helicopters’ Eurocopter X3 hybrid chopper has achieved speeds of 472kmph, setting an unofficial helicopter speed record.

“The Russian Navy will receive several modifications of the seaborne Minoga helicopter, including airborne assault variant,” a defense industry source told TASS on the sidelines of the Army-2016 defense forum.

The chief designer of the Kamov design bureau, Sergei Mikheyev, said earlier that an unmanned version of the rotorcraft may be developed if necessary.

The Minoga anti-submarine warfare gunship is a fourth-generation of Russian naval deck helicopter, following the Kamov Ka-15, Ka-25, and Ka-27. It will be powered by a pair of Klimov TV7-117V turboshaft engines interchangeable with their predecessor VK-2500.