Photo: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters Holding has developed a new generation of blades for Ansat light multi-purpose helicopter. They are made using the latest technology from polymer composite materials and have improved aerodynamic properties. The use of modernized blades in the import substitution version of the rotorcraft will significantly improve its flight and technical characteristics.
Bench certification tests of prototypes of main and tail rotor blades are currently underway. The first flights with new blades will begin at the end of 2023, and mass production to equip the import substitution version of Ansat is planned to be launched in 2024.
“The development of our engineers should significantly improve the flight performance of the helicopter: the climb speed will increase, the flight speed in cruise mode will increase by 15 km/h to 235 km/h. Composite blades can be equipped not only for the delivered Ansats, but also for the machines that are already in operation - this possibility is being discussed now. Currently, various types of tests are being prepared to confirm the quality and reliability of the novelty,” said Anatoly Serdyukov, industrial director of the aviation cluster of Rostec State Corporation.
