China, Russia to Co-Develop Heavy-Lift Helicopter

China and Russia have signed a contract to jointly develop a heavy-lift helicopter in 13 years, TASS reported, citing the head of Russian Helicopters, Andrei Boginsky.

The contract was signed on June 25 after negotiations of more than a decade, Boginsky revealed, adding that Russia will develop the aircraft’s “transmission, tail rotor and anti-icing system.”

Led by Avicopter, the Chinese will design, test, and develop the aircraft prototype, certify, serial produce, and market it. The helicopter is likely to be used by the Chinese military.

“Work will be carried out, therefore, of course, for us, and especially for young people, this is a serious project on which we can work for a long time and, among other things, acquire additional skills and competencies,” Boginsky said.