PLA helicopter fleet

[isthvan]

I have noticed that PLA uses only small number of helicopters compared to PLA size… I mean US Army’s AH-64 fleet is larger then entire PLA helicopter fleet…
PLA helicopter fleet is more comparable to USMC helicopter fleet but compared to USMC fleet PLAN really lacks heavy lift helicopters comparable to CH-53E…
Most capable PLA helicopters are Mi-17 version and those are supplemented only whit light helicopter types?
Also PLA lacks dedicated attack helicopter and recon helicopters comparable to OH-58D.
Now I understand that PLA will acquire new indigenous attack helicopter (WZ-10) and new medium utility helicopter but that still leaves them whiteout any helicopter comparable to CH-53E or CH-47…
Now since Korean War helicopters are one of most important assets in modern warfare and they represent irreplaceable asset in any potential war scenario.
My question is what do you think? Did PLA totally neglected lessons from Korean, Vietnam and recent wars or do you know any examples of Chinese helicopter tactics?
Also I’m interested what would be best solution for future PLA heavy lift helicopter and how do you think that PLA helicopter fleet should improve?

[bd popeye]

isthvan there are several thread on helos on the other discussions. But I will leave this one here.

I have noticed that PLA uses only small number of helicopters compared to PLA size… I mean US Army’s AH-64 fleet is larger then entire PLA helicopter fleet…
PLA helicopter fleet is more comparable to USMC helicopter fleet but compared to USMC fleet PLAN really lacks heavy lift helicopters comparable to CH-53E…
Most capable PLA helicopters are Mi-17 version and those are supplemented only whit light helicopter types?
Also PLA lacks dedicated attack helicopter and recon helicopters comparable to OH-58D

You are 100% correct. The helo situation of the PLA is lacking in every respect....And you did not mention no real vialble modern ASW/SAR helo for the PLAN.

I mentioned in previous discussions that if I were the CNO of the PLAN ASW would be my #1 priorty. But my #2 would be a SAR/ASW helo.

I have no idea why the PLA is behind on procurment of helos. They are readily available from Russia. I think that heavy lift and an modern attack helo is what the PLA needs.

Although not new technology some Ka-50 types would be nice for the PLA side to fullfill that attack role.
http://www.military.cz/russia/air/helicopters/Ka_50/images/big/ka50_6.jpg

[isthvan]

I didn’t mention PLAN lack of helicopters because thread about that already exists… I agree that PLA neglect of helicopter fleet is quite odd and while things are currently improving there is still considerable lack of all helicopter types…
Now since WZ-10 is already under development procurement of Ka-52 or Mi-28 attack helicopters would probably not make to much sense, but I don’t understand why PLA didn’t procure some Mi-24 Hinds to fulfill attack role and enable PLA to gain experience whit attack helicopter usage?
As for heavy lift choppers PLA could use smaller Mi-26 fleet to fulfill that role…

All together I think that current PLA helicopter fleet is joust to stretched even for peace time missions and that whit current number of helicopters they can only support some of there rapid reaction troops and nothing more… As a matter of fact I have impression that PLA uses current helicopter fleet for familiarization whit vertical lift concept and that they still didn’t incorporate vertical lift concept in army?

Or PLA plans to create small professional unit core and use helicopters to support them whit rest of army as some sort of national guard/reserve corp. whit current tactics and equipment?

[Dongfeng]

China has invested very little into the helicopter industry in the past compared to the investment made in the fixed wing aircraft. The only successful indigenous helicopters built in significant numbers were Z-5 (Mi-4 copy) and Z-9. After the failure of the Z-6 project, and the cancellation of Z-7 project, China totally relied on European technologies, which resulted in Z-8, Z-9, Z-11 and possibly some elements in WZ-10 too.

The PLA probably view helicopters as an area not worth huge investment. It costs a lot to develop (due to its complex mechanism) but only has limited usage. The PLA probably thought they could afford to purchase a small number of foreign-made helicopters just to keep the fleet running. On the army side some military leaders still saw helicopters as some sort of luxury. On the navy side the PLA Navy has plenty of Z-8, Z-9 and Ka-28 for their shipnorne and land-based ASW/SAR operations, so it is not a big issue, yet.

[isthvan]

China has invested very little into the helicopter industry in the past compared to the investment made in the fixed wing aircraft. The only successful indigenous helicopters built in significant numbers were Z-5 (Mi-4 copy) and Z-9. After the failure of the Z-6 project, and the cancellation of Z-7 project, China totally relied on European technologies, which resulted in Z-8, Z-9, Z-11 and possibly some elements in WZ-10 too.

The PLA probably view helicopters as an area not worth huge investment. It costs a lot to develop (due to its complex mechanism) but only has limited usage. The PLA probably thought they could afford to purchase a small number of foreign-made helicopters just to keep the fleet running. On the army side some military leaders still saw helicopters as some sort of luxury. On the navy side the PLA Navy has plenty of Z-8, Z-9 and Ka-28 for their shipnorne and land-based ASW/SAR operations, so it is not a big issue, yet.

Well I got same impression… But I would not agree that helicopters have limited usage and if we look at helicopter usage since Korean War it becomes quite clear that PLA lack of helicopters severely limits PLA ability to conduct any kind of modern warfare…
Since China invested heavily in modernization in last two decades it becomes quite odd that they didn’t invest in such important asset…

Acutely Chinese view of helicopters as luxury is quite shortsighted and puts under question PLA ability in modern warfare… I joust don’t see any point in military hardware modernization if you plan to use outdated ww2 tactics.
I know that this probably seems as Chinese underestimation from my side but I really don’t understand some Chinese military moves… In any possible war current helicopter fleet would have hand full whit med. evac. missions only not to mention all other tasks…

Now MIGleader told me that China currently has new Z-8 version under development (Z-8f)… That would make some improvements to Chinese heavy lift capabilities but still doesn’t offer anything in CH-53e rang of capabilities…

Again I don’t understand how someone plans to conduct modern battlefield warfare and completely neglect one of basic assets for it?

[Nethappy]

Over the pass couple of years, there has be a increase investment into the helicopter industry and a few interesting project has came out such as the WZ-10, CMH and EC 120. If China can contious improving it relationship with European country and gain a increase in European technologies we could be seeing some interesting result.

I believe China is finally realizing it mistake with it view toward helicopter and it trying to improve it situtation.

[utelore]

outside the thought of using the helo on the battlefield as a weapons platform BUT the use of Helo of getting wounded troops to higher care faster has resulted in the saving of much life. I think instead of around 2,500 deaths in Iraq the U.S would be looking at around 4000 to 5000 without the vast Helo fleet to transport the wounded......cheers ute.

[bd popeye]

utelore..Well said. Helo's are essential on the modern battlefield. An indespensible comodity.

Some day the PLA side may be able to do this in mass...

http://www.globalspecialoperations.com/combatvideos/Helo_Thunder_lg.wmv

[Nethappy]

Yeah.. I realise this... too

This is enough more improtant for the PLA as they have more infanty then an other army on the planet, without a good medic Ev Helo fleet things can turn real ugly. So investing in light and mid size tatical transport helicopter (CMH and EC 120) is the way to go. Nevertheless I dun think they can be develop or built these help in number in time to address the army and navy growing needs. It would be a good idea to buy a large batch of Helo as a stop gap and gain some extra time developing the indigenous design.

[tphuang]

I didn’t mention PLAN lack of helicopters because thread about that already exists… I agree that PLA neglect of helicopter fleet is quite odd and while things are currently improving there is still considerable lack of all helicopter types…
Now since WZ-10 is already under development procurement of Ka-52 or Mi-28 attack helicopters would probably not make to much sense, but I don’t understand why PLA didn’t procure some Mi-24 Hinds to fulfill attack role and enable PLA to gain experience whit attack helicopter usage?
As for heavy lift choppers PLA could use smaller Mi-26 fleet to fulfill that role…

All together I think that current PLA helicopter fleet is joust to stretched even for peace time missions and that whit current number of helicopters they can only support some of there rapid reaction troops and nothing more… As a matter of fact I have impression that PLA uses current helicopter fleet for familiarization whit vertical lift concept and that they still didn’t incorporate vertical lift concept in army?

Or PLA plans to create small professional unit core and use helicopters to support them whit rest of army as some sort of national guard/reserve corp. whit current tactics and equipment?

smaller Mi-26? Isn't all Mi-26 pretty huge? I guess there was a report a while back from one of the Chinese magazines of a Chinese purchase of Mi-26. And you see a dramatic increase in the Mi-17 fleet in the recent year, also. But as for attacking helo, it just seems that China is not that respectful of the Russian helicopter technology. They seem to be quite satisfied with Z-9G. And you see quite an increase in the production of Z-9 in the recent year. And of course, you also see an increase in the purchase of EC-120 as trainer. In general, China would much rather develop things with the help of Eurocopter rather than the Russians. Considering the success of Eurocopter in their commercial sales, I think that's a wise decision. Especially since unlike fixed wing aircraft, China actually has access to many of the latest components to helicopters using the guise of civilian purpose. And since WZ-10 is coming in soon, what's the point of getting mi-28 or ka-52, let alone the cold war era Mi-24? WZ-10 doesn't have to be better than those helicopters. It's good enough to do it's job and that's all that matters.

[Nethappy]

Z-9G are good mutirole helo, but they just dun have the range and can't carry enough payload to get the job done. There no argument that China prefer Eurocopter rather than the Russians. However even with help of Eurocopter and the help of commercial civilian helo components, it will still alot of time to develop and fully test a military helo. An increase of Mi-17 as a stop gap before the Chinese built they own ones is the best solution. These Mi-17 can easy be use for other task after the CMH start to take over front line work.

[isthvan]

smaller Mi-26? Isn't all Mi-26 pretty huge? I guess there was a report a while back from one of the Chinese magazines of a Chinese purchase of Mi-26. And you see a dramatic increase in the Mi-17 fleet in the recent year, also. But as for attacking helo, it just seems that China is not that respectful of the Russian helicopter technology. They seem to be quite satisfied with Z-9G. And you see quite an increase in the production of Z-9 in the recent year. And of course, you also see an increase in the purchase of EC-120 as trainer. In general, China would much rather develop things with the help of Eurocopter rather than the Russians. Considering the success of Eurocopter in their commercial sales, I think that's a wise decision. Especially since unlike fixed wing aircraft, China actually has access to many of the latest components to helicopters using the guise of civilian purpose. And since WZ-10 is coming in soon, what's the point of getting mi-28 or ka-52, let alone the cold war era Mi-24? WZ-10 doesn't have to be better than those helicopters. It's good enough to do it's job and that's all that matters.

Tphuang I didn’t say that Mi-26 is small hello I said that they need to purchase at least small batch of them. As I said PLA lacks all types of helicopters and majority of types they have are light or medium helicopters. Nothing in CH-53 class…
Only army helicopters that are useful in any military action are Mi-17 and small batch of S-70 and Z-8 helicopters; also if we look ate the PLA size that fleet is no were near needed level of capabilities…

As I have said before USMC have helicopter fleet that is comparable in size to PLA helicopter fleet but if you look at USMC helicopter inventory you will see much bigger level of capabilities on USMC side.. Again US Army has more Apaches then PLA has helicopters…

Now if we look at the size of the army it becomes quite obvious that regardless of newly delivered Mi-17s PRC still seriously lack transport, support or medivac capabilities not to mention dedicated attack helicopters…

Z-9 versions are good utility helicopters but they don’t have neither payload nor range to support army needs, Z-11 and EC-120 are great for training and light observation helicopters but how many of them are going to armed police, police and other civilian services? Japan army aviation corp. has more then 230 OH-6D and OH-1 helicopters for surveillance and reconnaissance role and size of JSDF is where compared to PLA size?

Chinese attack fleet is made of WZ-9, WZ-11 and few Gazelle helicopters, plus mi-17 can be armed. But do they have armor, range, and ECM suite? There ability to survive on battlefield is quite miserable don’t you agree? And sorry but I think that until WZ-10 becomes available few “Cold War relics” like modernized Mi-24 would be great interim solution( they are armed, armored, cheep and share quite a lot spare parts and maintenance similarities whit Mi-17). They would be definitely better solution then WZ-9… Also you may see that I said that a Mi-28 or Ka-50 purchase is unneeded because WZ-10 should come in the service soon…

Chine is doing right thing cooperating whit Europe on helicopter development and I don’t have doubt that in next 10-15 years we will not discus about this issue but current situation is quite serious… But how long will take for development of new helicopters finish and how long will take for all that new helicopters to come in service in needed numbers?

[tphuang]

Tphuang I didn’t say that Mi-26 is small hello I said that they need to purchase at least small batch of them. As I said PLA lacks all types of helicopters and majority of types they have are light or medium helicopters. Nothing in CH-53 class…
Only army helicopters that are useful in any military action are Mi-17 and small batch of S-70 and Z-8 helicopters; also if we look ate the PLA size that fleet is no were near needed level of capabilities…

As I have said before USMC have helicopter fleet that is comparable in size to PLA helicopter fleet but if you look at USMC helicopter inventory you will see much bigger level of capabilities on USMC side.. Again US Army has more Apaches then PLA has helicopters…

Rome is not built in one day and the mi-17 fleet can only increase gradually. I'm not going to be counting on Z-8, that program has been very slow to say the least. Not every army is comparable to the US army, so the PLA helo ratio might never go that high


Now if we look at the size of the army it becomes quite obvious that regardless of newly delivered Mi-17s PRC still seriously lack transport, support or medivac capabilities not to mention dedicated attack helicopters…

Z-9 versions are good utility helicopters but they don’t have neither payload nor range to support army needs, Z-11 and EC-120 are great for training and light observation helicopters but how many of them are going to armed police, police and other civilian services? Japan army aviation corp. has more then 230 OH-6D and OH-1 helicopters for surveillance and reconnaissance role and size of JSDF is where compared to PLA size?

armed police and civilian services? There are far bigger issues in China than not having enough helicopters in the civilian sector.

Chinese attack fleet is made of WZ-9, WZ-11 and few Gazelle helicopters, plus mi-17 can be armed. But do they have armor, range, and ECM suite? There ability to survive on battlefield is quite miserable don’t you agree? And sorry but I think that until WZ-10 becomes available few “Cold War relics” like modernized Mi-24 would be great interim solution( they are armed, armored, cheep and share quite a lot spare parts and maintenance similarities whit Mi-17). They would be definitely better solution then WZ-9… Also you may see that I said that a Mi-28 or Ka-50 purchase is unneeded because WZ-10 should come in the service soon…

Chine is doing right thing cooperating whit Europe on helicopter development and I don’t have doubt that in next 10-15 years we will not discus about this issue but current situation is quite serious… But how long will take for development of new helicopters finish and how long will take for all that new helicopters to come in service in needed numbers?
I'm not sure about that part, since WZ-10 is probably going to start equipping PLA army this year. And either way, I'm sure WZ-9's flight performance has gotten dramatically better with the design change and engine change. And the avionics on Chinese helicopter can't be that bad, since they've been cooperating with Eurocopter for a long time. And if ka-50 isn't worth going after, then why go after Mi-24?

As for the number issue, that's definitely a problem. China hasn't shown the ability to produce helicopters at a fast rate. We read that Harbin produced 7 helicopters in January. That was the record breaking month. Any idea what Eurocopter or Sikorsky or Bell Helicopter are capable of?

[isthvan]

Rome is not built in one day and the mi-17 fleet can only increase gradually. I'm not going to be counting on Z-8, that program has been very slow to say the least. Not every army is comparable to the US army, so the PLA helo ratio might never go that high

Well I didn’t say that they should buy hundreds of Mi-17 but current fleet is joust to small. I don’t count too much on Z-8, I joust said that they exist.
I quite well understand that PLA isn’t US Army and that helicopter ratio in PLA might never reach that level, but if we look at PRC size and number of troops PLA has current helicopter ratio is joust to small and not only compared to US but compared to almost all western military’s (or Russians).

armed police and civilian services? There are far bigger issues in China than not having enough helicopters in the civilian sector.

So all helicopters are going to military and civilian services aren’t getting any of those helicopters? I’m quite interested in this subject so I would be grateful if you can provide some additional information.


I'm not sure about that part, since WZ-10 is probably going to start equipping PLA army this year. And either way, I'm sure WZ-9's flight performance has gotten dramatically better with the design change and engine change. And the avionics on Chinese helicopter can't be that bad, since they've been cooperating with Eurocopter for a long time. And if ka-50 isn't worth going after, then why go after Mi-24?

As for the number issue, that's definitely a problem. China hasn't shown the ability to produce helicopters at a fast rate. We read that Harbin produced 7 helicopters in January. That was the record breaking month. Any idea what Eurocopter or Sikorsky or Bell Helicopter are capable of?

Wile WZ-9 flight performance might gotten better it is still utility helicopter converted in attack role as interim solution until something better becomes available; it still lacks armor and countermeasure suit to do its job efficiently(especially if we know that range of HJ-8E is around 4000m that puts WZ-9 in range of enemy small range air defenses).
Also you may see that I never mentioned anything about Chinese helicopter avionics because I also think that it must be quite good since it’s developed from European avionics…
Why Hind? It is cheep (how many Hinds you can purchase for price of one Ka-50?); interdiction in service would be quite easier because it shares almost 70% parts whit Mi-17, its armored, has good weapon package and whit cheep upgrade it would be more then capable to provide troop support in all weather conditions… I’m joust suggesting Hind as interim solution until China is able to field enough WZ-10… Nothing more...

Also whit 7 helicopters at month China will face quite few difficulties in fielding adequate number of helicopters in service.
Well I really don’t now production rates for western helicopter manufacturers but I will try to find some data about that.

[utelore]

A little tiny bit off of subject but it does still relate to the Helo and getting those wounded to care so they can fight again or a least train those in the arts of war.
1. it takes around a month to build a good tank or aircraft and maybe a few years to build a warship
2. it takes around 18 years to instill values and intelligence into a human THEN another few years of education be it in collage or a military institution to field a "good" fighting man

So ask yourself is it more valuable to build a helo in a month to then rescue a warrior you have spent 20 years in the making to help your country. As far as the PRC having a vast population this is true but it does not make the human and value he gives on the battlefield any less meaning than that of say a smaller nation like Croatia or Israel.

[tphuang]

according to the latest issue of Kanwa,

the head of P&W Canada said this regarding to the export of helicopter engines to China.
they have signed agreement for at least 50 PT6B-67A and at least 50 PT6B-67C for China. Note, the former is used for Z-8F and the latter is used for Z-10. Z-8F uses 3 engines and Z-10 uses 2. So essentially, we are probably seeing 20 Z-10s and 15 Z-8F coming out in the next year?

[bd popeye]

utelore sez..
So ask yourself is it more valuable to build a helo in a month to then rescue a warrior you have spent 20 years in the making to help your country. As far as the PRC having a vast population this is true but it does not make the human and value he gives on the battlefield any less meaning than that of say a smaller nation like Croatia or Israel

Excellent statement. You have to take care of your troops..period. If you don't your morale will suffer. Saving them, transporting them, giving close air suppourt is part of that. That's why the PLA needs many more modern helos of all types. SAR, Attack, ASW and transport. They are out there. The PLA should buy them. They can't wait on the Z-10 variants forever.

[tphuang]

found this piece of news, it relates to mi-26T possibly joining China
http://www.blackenterprise.com/yb/ybopen.asp?section=ybbf&story_id=94003494&ID=blackenterprise

Russia, China Set Up Joint Enterprise to Sell Mi-26T Helicopters in China
2006-06-05
BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union

Text of report by Russian news agency Interfax-AVN website

Rostov-on-the-Don, 5 June: The Rostvertol joint-stock company has established a joint venture with Chinese partners to promote its Mi- 26T transport helicopters in the Chinese market, the company's general director Boris Slyusar told Interfax-Military News Agency today.

"We have been solidly working with China for the last two years and this year was particularly active. To promote our Mi-26T, we have established a joint venture. The main goal is to certify the helicopter and deliver first two aircraft for experimental operation," he said.

According to Slyusar, the joint venture does not have any significant authorized stock - only the one necessary to register the firm.

The Chinese side is represented by a private company, while negotiations on certification are carried out with official bodies involved.

"According to Chinese partners, China will need at least six such aircraft in the near future," Slyusar said.

Rostvertol is one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in Russia, and the only one building the Mi-26T heavy transport helicopters, transport-cum-combat helicopters Mi-24/35 and new- generation Mi-28N assault combat helicopter.


A while back, I posted some pictures regarding Mi-26 with pla, but no news were found since that point until this article.

[isthvan]

found this piece of news, it relates to mi-26T possibly joining China
http://www.blackenterprise.com/yb/ybopen.asp?section=ybbf&story_id=94003494&ID=blackenterprise


A while back, I posted some pictures regarding Mi-26 with pla, but no news were found since that point until this article.

Well buying Mi-26T would be step in right direction. PLA needs some heavy lift helicopters.
Does anybody know does China have some type of CSAR unit? I know that currently they don’t have helicopters suitable for that role (while some Mi-171 can be used for that role they would be only stopgap measure), but they could modified some of helicopters they currently use.
Also does anybody know what helicopters they use to support special operation forces?

[Sczepan]

Well buying Mi-26T would be step in right direction. PLA needs some heavy lift helicopters. ...

sure?
The Mi-26 T is a big heavy transport helo - in my opinion they primer need very agile attack and transport helos to be used in the battle-field.
This big transport unit will be shoot down by enemys in a very short time.

some dates about the chopper see at http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/vvs/mi26-01.htm

[isthvan]

sure?
The Mi-26 T is a big heavy transport helo - in my opinion they primer need very agile attack and transport helos to be used in the battle-field.
This big transport unit will be shoot down by enemys in a very short time.

some dates about the chopper see at http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/vvs/mi26-01.htm

Mi-26 is more then useful asset for army. While agile battlefield helicopters are great you need to have heavy lift, long range helicopter for logistics, recovery and equipment transport, medevac etc… Not to mention humanitarian operations… Why do you think that so many armies operate CH-53, CH-47 or Mi-26 helicopters?
You can’t only look at battlefield needs, all that is worthless if you can’t provide logistics for your operations.

[tphuang]

a new article on sinodefence relating to mi-26T
http://www.sinodefence.com/news/2006/news06-07-24.asp

Russian helicopter manufacturer Rostvertol Plc revealed during the 2006 Farnborough International Air Show (17 July~23 July) that it is establishing a joint venture with Lectern Aviation Supplies in Hong Kong to promote its Mi-26T heavy-lift helicopter to the Chinese market. The new company known as Rostvertol Helicopters China will be based in Hong Kong and its main task is to promote the Mi-26T helicopter to potential Chinese customers.

According to Rostvertol Plc, the registration process of the new company will be finalised before the opening of the 2006 Zhuhai International Air Show schedule in October 2006. Rostvertol had already conducted several presentations in China and representatives from Chinese companies had also visited Rostvertol’s plant in Rostov-on-Don.

The Mi-26 is the world’s heaviest and most powerful helicopter designed to carry large-size cargo weighting up to 20,000kg. The Mi-26T is the latest version with improved performance (Rostvertol photo)

The heavy-lift helicopter market in China has been so far overlooked by Western helicopter manufacturers. According to the estimation of Wall Street Journal, the Chinese aviation market will number about 10,000 helicopters by 2020, 3~5% of which will be heavy-lift helicopters. Rostvertol is aiming to occupy this niche market by setting a foot in China.

Rostvertol revealed that it had already signed a three-year contract with Chinese state-owned Flying Dragon Aviation based in Harbin to lease one Mi-26T fire-fighting version. This may be followed by an additional two helicopters in the near future.

The Mi-26 (NATO codename: Halo) was developed in the late 1970s as a successor to the Mil Mi-6 (NATO codename: Hook) heavy-lift helicopter. The Mi-26 entered service with the Soviet military in 1983. The world’s heaviest and most powerful helicopter, the Mi-26 was designed to carry large-size cargo weighting up to 20,000kg. Its load and lift capabilities are comparable to the U.S. C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

Rostvertol Plc is one of Russia’s major helicopter manufacturers. Its products include Mi-26 series heavy-lift helicopter, the Mi-24 (Mi-35) attack-transport helicopter, and the latest Mi-28 attack helicopter. Another Russian helicopter manufacturer Kazan Helicopter Plant JSC has already sold over 100 Mi-17 series (NATO codename: Hip) military transport helicopters to China.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) operates three ageing Mi-6 Hook heavy-lift helicopters in its Army Aviation Corps. The Mi-26 would provide an ideal successor to these helicopters. A single Mi-26 helicopter could carry an armoured combat vehicle or up to 80 armed soldiers. The helicopter has demonstrated excellent performance in many UN disaster relief and peace keeping missions around the world.


Editted: added a link to an article that talked about this
http://www.royfc.com/acft_news_old_jul3.html



China to Buy 500 Mi-26T Heavy Helicopters

The model was developed at the Rostov plant

China’s air fleet will be filled with 10,000 helicopters before 2020. Of them, from three to five percent will be Mi-26T heavy helicopters. The joint Rostvertol Helicopters China ((all three words in English)) enterprise will produce and sell the aircraft on the Chinese market, they reported to Interfax-AVN at the Farnborough-2006 air salon which has opened in Great Britain.

The headquarters of the aviation giant, which was created by merging Rostvertol and the Chinese company Lektern Aviation ((in English)), will be based in Hong Kong. The Rostvertol Helicopters China registration process is supposed to be completed before this October. The Chinese, according a Russian delegation representative at the Farnborough air salon, are pursuing one goal: to sell actively Mi-26T helicopters which have the greatest lift capacity in the world. It is worth noting that Rostvertol specialists already have held a number of presentations in China and for China in Rostov. An agreement already has been signed about leasing one Mi-26T helicopter for 3 years. It is against this background the state company Feylun (Flying Dragon) expressed interest in the fire-fighting variant of this aircraft. It is expected that the Rostov plant will sign the next contract with China for the delivery of two more helicopters.

[tphuang]

more on Mi-26, it's arriving in China for evaluation. Looks like it is being evaluated by both PLA and civilian guys, but I bet the military evaluation will be a lot more crucial here.

A Russian crew is flying the helicopter. Pilot in command – honored pilot-instructor of the Russian Federation V. V. Maksimov.
MI-26TC

On the 3-rd of September the most heaviest-lifting Mi-26TC helicopter flew out from Rostov-on-Don (Russia) for Harbin (China). It took off at the airdrome of Rostvertol plc, where this rotorcraft was created. During the ferry flight, which will last 6 days, the Mi-26TC shall land in Samara, Novosibirsk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, and Chita.

A Russian crew is flying the helicopter. Pilot in command – honored pilot-instructor of the Russian Federation V. V. Maksimov.

The multipurpose helicopter is flying to Harbin in the frames of the signed last year contract with Lectern Aviation Company on hand-over of the Mi-26TC (where T –transport, C – certified) for a 3-years lease term. The heaviest-lifting in the world helicopter, capable to transport cargo weighing up to 20 tons inside the cargo cabin or on the external sling, will be used for the first time in China for firefighting and installation of electric power lines. At present this project is been actively realized.

As soon as the Mi-26TC helicopter arrives to China it will perform demonstration flights for showing its capabilities. These flights will be viewed by high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Forestry of China, Army Aviation, representatives of such large companies as China Flying Dragon Special Aviation (operator of the helicopter), China national Electricity Grid Construction Ltd (deal with installation of electric power lines), China Eastern Airline Special Aviation (deal with freight).

Works on preparing this contract began more than a year ago. As a result, last year in April during a joint visit of Rostvertol plc and Mil MHP plc specialists to the Chinese People’s Republic an agreement was signed between Rostvertol plc and Lectern Aviation Company (Hong Kong) on establishing a joint Russian – Hong Kong enterprise – “Rostvertol Helicopters China Limited”. After drawing up appropriate documents on the 1-st of August a certificate of the Mi-26TC helicopter’s conformity with Chinese regulations was issued. The Chinese technical specialists have all ready passed training on operation and maintenance of the Mi-26TC helicopter at Rostvertol plc. And in China they will perfect their skills under the guidance of experienced Russian specialists.

The Mi-26TC is a unique helicopter. Due to usage of a wide spectrum of additional removable equipment the Mi-26TC can be transformed in a short time from the basic version into one of the following versions: aerial-delivery, medical, fire-fighter, refueller.

Due to their multifunctionality and reliability these helicopters found wide application in different countries and on different continents. Nearly all over the world they extinguished fires, transported cargoes, participated the UN peacemaking missions. Due to growth of the number of international conflicts and natural disasters the multipurpose giants constantly change their basing sites and carry out missions on rescuing human lives and liquidation of extraordinary situations. Not long ago the helicopters actively worked in Sierra-Leone, Mexico, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos. As the situation in the world changed the sites of their application changed for Greece, Canada, Afghanistan, Congo, Liberia, Uganda, Sudan where the Mi-26T performs operations on transporting heavy bulky cargoes, mounting electric power lines, antenna-mast constructions, on reconstruction and construction of industrial objects.

Many years’ experience showed that these helicopters are effectively used as well for firefighting. Since 1999 and till now the aviation group of the Russian Ministry for Extraordinary Situations, which includes Mi-26T helicopters, participates in extinguishing fires in Greece. They operate in mountainous regions, in conditions of dense smoke. In such difficult conditions the helicopter proved its reliability and efficiency operating, moreover, far off from the maintenance base.

Russian helicopters extinguish fires in Greece, France, Italy, etc. Owing to the professionalism of the Mi-26T crews the material damage, which the fire could cause to these countries, considerably reduces.

The helicopter’s unique capabilities allow using it in mobile complex fire groups. Application of a wide spectrum of additional removable equipment allows to deliver to difficult to access regions bulky machinery and specially trained personnel, various types of fuel and lubricants, provide on board first medical aid, evacuate casualties.

Examples of Mi-26T helicopter’s effective usage may serve - transportation and installation of supports and other constructions of the cable-way in the neighborhoods of Innsbruck (Austria) in July-August 2006, as well as its participation in the humanitarian missions on delivery of food and living essentials to the suffered from earthquakes high mountainous regions of Pakistan.

China, who is actively increasing its production, and uses as well foreign technologies and goods for satisfying national interests, got interested in the unique capabilities of the Mi-26TC helicopter. Regarding the results of the demonstration flights and performance of works the Chinese party will consider the possibility of acquiring a batch of Mi-26TC helicopters.