Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom – the part of Russian Technologies (Rostec) State Corporation and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, will bring its Australian calling card – the medium multi-role Ka-32A11BC – to Avalon 2013, the international aviation exhibition taking place from 26 February to 3 March in Geelong. The Russian Helicopters display can be found at stand 2F4.

Though Australia is a new market for Russian Helicopters, the company’s helicopters are in high demand across the Asia-Pacific region. More than 1,200 Russian-built helicopters already operate in one of the fastest-growing regions of the planet, and demand for reliable and economical helicopters is continuing to grow along with the regional economy.

The Ka-32A11BC received its Australian certificate of airworthiness in December 2012, allowing Australian operators to use the helicopter for fire-fighting, search-and-rescue operations, goods transport on an external sling and in construction work.

Australia is a country that suffers damage from wildfires every year, and therefore has a need for specialised fire-fighting equipment able to combat the threat. As a fire-fighting helicopter, the Ka-32A11BC can be equipped with Bambi Buckets and water cannon, which combined with the helicopter’s unique coaxial main rotor system makes the Ka-32A11BC one of the best fire-fighting helicopters in the world.

Russian Helicopters in early 2013 launched the Global Helicopter Firefighting Initiative to further the development of helicopter fire-fighting equipment. The Initiative aims to make the use of specialised fire-fighting helicopters more effective, and will involve sector specialists and other relevant companies from around the world. The goal of the programme is to combat the threat of natural and manmade fires on a global level. The Ka-32A11BC has been chosen as the symbol of the GHFI.

Alongside a growing market for corporate helicopter transportation, demand for multi-role transport helicopters is also increasing. Australian operators will be shown the new medium multi-role Ka-62, which uses the latest composite materials in its construction. The Ka-62 is a single-rotor design, with an enclosed multi-bladed tail rotor. It is powered by twin Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engines that generate 1,680 HP. Experts say that the Ka-62 will become a bestseller for Russian Helicopters.

Australian helicopter operators will also have the opportunity to see the Mi-8/17 series, the world’s most popular helicopter. Of particular interest will be the latest model in the series, the Mi-171A2, which combines the finest qualities of its predecessors – reliability, simplicity of use and versatility – with the advantages of the latest helicopter construction technologies. The Mi-171A2 is destined to become one of the most efficient and economical helicopters in its class.

Held since 1988, Avalon is the largest airshow in the region. Aviation companies from around the world showcase their equipment, alongside the Australian Air Force, Navy and the US Air Force.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of the Rostec State Corporation. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. Over 8000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in 110 countries worldwide. Traditionally the demand is highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2011 its IFRS revenues increased 27.8% to RUB 103.9 billion. Deliveries reached 262 helicopters.

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. It is a part of the Rostec State Corporation. Its main tasks include: helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters, JSC) and engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company).

The Russian Technologies State Corporation (Rostec) was established in 2007 to support Russian industry in developing, producing and exporting high-tech industrial products for civil and military use. The Corporation includes 663 companies, currently organised into 12 defence holdings and five holdings for civil industries. The Corporation has a presence in 60 of Russia’s regions, and exports its products to 70 countries. Russian Technologies State Corporation is headed by Sergei Chemezov. In 2011 the Corporation had net income of RUB 1.55 billion, and paid RUB 100 billion into budgets of all levels.