Press Release
Issued by Russian Helicopters, JSC.
July 20, 2017
During the MAKS-2017 International Aerospace Show, Russian Helicopters Holding, part of the Rostec state corporation, concluded three contracts with United Helicopters International Group on the supply of 10 helicopters to Chinese operators.
In particular, according to the signed contracts United Helicopters will receive five Ansat light helicopters in medevac configuration, three MI-171 in cargo configuration and two firefighter Ка-32А11ВС for delivery to the end-users in China in 2017-2018.
"China is interested in the exploitation of high-quality civil helicopters. Russian-made helicopters have great potential in the civil market because of their unique design features and advanced flight characteristics. Our Chinese partners can attest to that after having operated Russian helicopters for many years. I am confident that our delivery which for the first time includes a medical Ansat, will contribute to the renewal and strengthening of China's helicopter fleet" said Russian Helicopters CEO, Andrey Boginsky after signing the contracts.
The first batch of helicopters will be transferred before the end of 2017 and the deliveries will be completed in mid-2018. The first are two Ka-32s that will be used by Chinese companies for firefighting, especially in urban areas with limited access to high-rise buildings. Ka-32 helicopters are well suited to operating in hilly and forest areas and can land on sites with uneven landscapes.
Ka-32 helicopters have been used in China for several years for fire and rescue missions. Based on a coaxial scheme, this helicopter is considered to be one of the best rotorcraft to deal with strong fires in urban conditions. It has gained a good reputation both in highland and large modern city areas of China.
The medically configured Ansat will be delivered to China for the first time. Emergency medical evacuation helicopters are the fastest and most efficient method of transporting people that require immediate medical remedy. The medevac Ansat helicopter is basically an aeromedical emergency transport service that saves lives by saving time. The Ansat is used for critically ill persons as well as for people who cannot travel long distances because of age, limited mobility or illness. Medevac helicopters are also useful for people living in remote locations or areas of difficult access where suitable medical facilities are not available. The medevac Ansat is also used for individuals whose medical needs would not be fully met by a ground ambulance.
"China is currently experiencing a boom in the medical market. We anticipate widespread use of medical aviation. The Chinese government sets high requirements on medical institutions for technical reliability and high efficiency in operations to save people lives. Russian-made helicopters, already known all over the world, meet these requirements. The Ansat fitted with medical module is known as a helicopter with outstanding characteristics. This helicopter is a fully-fledged air ambulance with complete medical equipment including ICU, oxygen, doctors, emergency operating facilities and even more. In addition, the Ansat has the lowest cost among competitors in its class. The Chinese government, showing concern for its citizens and constantly improving the level of safety and quality of life, plans to buy a lot of such rotorcraft in the near future to fully meet the needs of the population" said Li Xuefeng, managing director of United Helicopters.
Mi-171 helicopters have also been used throughout China for a long time for the transportation and evacuation of people from disaster zones, as well as for the transportation of various goods including medical supplies, humanitarian aid and construction materials.
