The 8th international helicopter exhibition HeliRussia opened on May 21st 2015 in Crocus Expo (exhibition center). It was held in accordance with the decree of the Russian government No.1221-r signed on July 15th 2013. Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade acted as the main organizer of the event sponsored by Russian Helicopters Holding Company, AgustaWestland and Vnesheconombank.
Displays of 219 companies from 10 countries of the world, 16 helicopters and 5 gyrocopters manufactured by Russian and foreign companies were demonstrated in two halls of pavilion No.1 with a total area of 12 230 square meters. HeliRussia is the Russia’s only exhibition to showcase the whole range of products and services related to helicopter industry: from design stage to production, upgrade and MRO services.
Being the largest specialized helicopter industry exhibition in Europe (and the world’s second largest show in this segment), HeliRussia allows Russia to demonstrate its achievements and high-tech products. Over 200 companies from 10 countries of the world, including Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Czech Republic, took part in HeliRussia 2015.
A lot of new products and services were demonstrated at the exhibition by Russian and foreign companies. The exhibition set a record in terms of the number of new products presented: no other Russian aviation exhibition has ever showcased so many new vehicles. Two foreign manufacturers presented their latest products – AgustaWestland and Bell Helicopter. Heliwhale presented a new Russian-produced ultra-light high-speed helicopter. Bell Helicopter presented five-seat single-engine Bell 505 next-generation helicopter for the first time in Russia; the vehicle performed its maiden flight in Canada in November 2014. A new VIP cabin Mecaer for Bell 429 helicopter was also presented. AgustaWestland showcased AW189 helicopter in Moscow for the first time; its certification in Russia is in progress. EASA type certificate was obtained in February 2014. AW189 is a brand-new helicopter powered by two GE CT7-2E1 engines, its total weight is 8,3 tons. It offers a great composition of flexibility and low price and it meets the growing market’s demands. Airbus Helicopters presented two helicopters: ЕС155 and new member of Ecureuil Family – Н130 light helicopter (former ЕС130 Т2).
The new Russian-produced helicopter was presented by Heliwhale company, which demonstrated two-seat ultra-light high-speed Afalina helicopter featuring a co-axial configuration for the first time ever. Production launched in Russia and specific technical solutions helped optimize cost per flight-hour, so the helicopter can be used for a wide range of tasks. This is the result of creative work of a group of people dedicated to aviation. Manufacturers of gyrocopters also presented their latest products – the first prototypes of gyrocopters manufactured by Claudio Pagotto (Italy) and assembled in Russia under license were presented at HeliRussia 2015 by Za Oblaka company.
Traditionally, joint display of Rostec State Corporation and its 22 holding companies was showcased at the exhibition. The following Rostec companies took part in Helirussia: Russian Helicopters Holding Company, Rosoboronexport, Aviation Equipment, Radioelectronic Technologies Concern (KRET), Concern Avionics, Ramensky Instrument Engineering Design Bureau, Phazotron-NIIR, Aeropribor-Voskhod, Izmeritel, Techpribor, etc.
Russian Helicopters presented a medevac version of Ansat helicopter at HeliRussia 2015 as well as Ka – 226 and Mi – 8 (VIP-version) helicopters.
Russian Helicopter Systems presented a six-seat VIP-cabin for AW109SP and a project for development of helicopter infrastructure in Moscow Region. Traditionally, a lot of Robinson helicopters were showcased, including the new R66 model fitted with autopilot presented by Aviamarket.
A total of five Russian-produced helicopters (Mi – 8, Mi – 2, Ka – 226, «Ansat», «Afalina»), 3 AgustaWestland helicopters (AW 109 Grand New, AW 139, AW 189), 3 vehicles manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (EC 130 T2, EC 155, AS 350 B3E), 3 Robinson Helicopter (R 44 and 2 R 66s), one Bell 505 and one Dynali H2S (Belgium) were demonstrated.
Gyrocopters Cavalon and Calidus, GYRO GT, GYRO SPRINT, TANARG 912, as well as motor glider Stemme S10 were also showcased at HeliRussia 2015.
The visitors had a chance to take a look at the latest solutions in the area of navigation equipment, ground facilities, radar control and heliport equipment. This year for the first time, within the framework of the Federal Target Program “Development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry in Russia for the period until 2020 and further” a joint display of Russian companies manufacturing medical products and innovative equipment for medical aviation and disaster medicine was presented under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.