Specialists at Russian Helicopters are currently developing the construction documentation of the VRT500 helicopter. This stage is scheduled to be finished at the end of 2021 with the production of the first series at the Ulan-Ude aviation plant.

“The VRT500 will become a competitive product in the market of light single engine helicopters, allowing us to join this new segment for the first time,” comments Alexander Okhonko, CEO of design bureau and Rostec subsidiary VR-Technologies. “Russian Helicopters considers Europe a potential market, so we plan to apply the helicopter for certification to EASA this year. We'll start testing the first prototype in 2020.”

VR-Technologies recently presented a mock-up of its VRT500 light multi-purpose helicopter at the Fuorisalone exhibition, part of Milan Design Week. The helicopter model was displayed at the stand of ItalDesign, one of the developer companies of the VRT500.

A light single engine helicopter with coaxial rotors and a maximum take-off weight of 1600 kg, the model will be equipped with the latest interactive avionics and have the most spacious passenger cabin in its class with a capacity of five persons. It can reach a max speed of 250 km/h, has a flight range of 860 km and can carry a payload of up to 730 kg.