Sino-Russia jointly co-engineered heavy-lift helicopter makes debut; stepping up strategic engagement

BEIJING: A heavy-lift helicopter jointly developed by China and Russia today made its debut as the two countries stepped up their strategic engagement following sanctions imposed by US and EU on Moscow over Ukraine crisis.

On display at the Tianjin International Helicopter Exhibition, the chopper is specially designed to suit China's geographical conditions and can operate smoothly at high altitudes and temperatures, said Huang Chuanyue, deputy chief engineer with the helicopter division of the Aviation Industry Corp. of China.

This is China's first heavy lift helicopter.

With a maximum cruising speed of 300 km/h, and the ability to take-off carrying 38.2 tonnes, it can carry excavators, cargo containers and light tactical vehicles, Huang told state-run Xinhua news agency.

China and Russia on May 8 signed a framework agreement agreeing to take the project to the next stage, which specified that all future models will be manufactured in China, Huang said.

These heavy-duty helicopters will be used in rescue and disaster missions, as well as maritime affairs, Huang said.