 |
| A CH-47F Chinook (File Photo) |
Russia and China are jointly developing an advanced heavy-duty transport helicopter, according to the UK-based IHS Jane's Defence Weekly in a May 8 report.
According to an agreement signed the same day, the two countries have made arrangements for the development and mass production of the aircraft, the website of China's Global Times reported. Alexander Mikheev, CEO of state-run Russian Helicopters, was cited by the website as saying that China is a big potential market for advanced heavy-duty transport helicopters, as the country will likely need around 200 by 2040.
The development of the new helicopter has gained approval from presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Its maximum take-off weight will be 38 tons and it can carry an internal load of 10 tons or an external load of 15 tons. Although the exact specifications for the aircraft have yet to be finalized, the helicopter is being designed for high temperatures, high altitudes and all-weather conditions, the website reported.
Read the full story at Want China Times