Rostov-based Rostvertol enterprise has started the assembly of the first Mi-28UB combat training helicopter, ITAR-TASS reports with reference to the CEO of Rostvertol, Boris Slusar.

"We have joined the cockpit with the fuselage. The first helicopter of the type assembled in Rostov will be tested this year", - he said. These helicopters are manufactured in accordance with the order placed by Russian Ministry of Defense. According to the CEO, the vehicles are in demand: flight schools need such helicopters in order to train young pilots. "It is the combat helicopter able to perform all the duties of an attack aircraft. Moreover, it is suitable for training the students of military flight schools", - Boris Slusar noted.

As reported by the enterprise’s marketing division, Mi-28UB was derived from Mi-28N combat helicopter (Night Hunter). The abovementioned helicopters were developed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.

Boris Slusar said that Rostvertol fulfilled all the obligations to its customers (first of all, the Ministry of Defense) last year. "The enterprise’s output will increase by 15-17% in 2013 as compared to 2012. The growth ratio of the enterprise’s output in 2012 was 50% as compared to 2011. About 15-20% of Rostvertol’s output was accounted for exported vehicles", - the CEO noted. He also added that negotiations on deliveries of heavy Mi-26T2 transport helicopters to one of the foreign countries are underway.

At present the enterprise is able to manufacture 10 Mi-28N helicopters per year. In future Rostvertol intends to reach the output of 20 Mi-28Ns per year.