Russia's Ansat Helicopter Certified for Sale in China

Russian Helicopters Ansat light multipurpose helicopter has received a nod from China, that will kickstart delivery of 20 such rotorcraft to the country under a contract signed two years ago.

"Russian Helicopters completed validation of the type certificate for Ansat light multipurpose helicopter in the People's Republic of China," Rostec said in a statement Wednesday.

The validation of the type certificate by Chinese aviation authorities allows the company to commence sale of Ansat helicopters to China under a previously concluded contract.

At Airshow China 2018 Russian Helicopters signed a contract  for supplying 20 Ansat helicopters to the Chinese Emergency and Disaster Relief Association.

"The Chinese market is much larger that the Russian market, even taking into account the EAEU. Thus, China is an important potential market for us, and we may sell several hundred helicopters. However, first we should ensure after-sales service, and we are also doing that now. Development will give us more opportunities and chances in terms of equipment supply, because the helicopter price is very competitive," stated Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov.

"Validation of Ansat certificate in China was a result of cooperation of specialists from Rostec, Russian Helicopters, the Kazan Helicopters, our selectors, and the aviation authorities of Russia and China. We are ready to commence the supplies this year," said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky.

In January 2019, Rosaviatsiya (Federal Air Transport Agency) certified to increase the take-off and landing altitude of the chopper to 3,500 metres from the previous 1,000 metres.

The light multipurpose Ansat helicopter was designed by the Kazan Helicopters design office. The rotorcraft has two engines, and can be used for passenger and VIP transport, cargo delivery, environmental monitoring, and as an air medical helicopter. The helicopter can be operated in a temperature range between -45 and +50 degrees Celsius.