Had Been Previously Approved For Non-Passenger Commercial Operations

Russia's Interstate Aviation Committee (AR IAC) has certified Russian Helicopters' new light multirole commercial Ansat helicopter to carry passengers the civilian market. Commercial deliveries are due to start in 2015.

The additional certification confirms that the Ansat meets aviation regulations and certifies the changes made to the type model. In particular, the Ansat passenger variant includes an upgraded stability augmentation system, increased take-off weight to 3,600 kg (approx 8,000 pounds), and equipment to carry passengers. These changes have made it possible to improve the helicopter’s flight capabilities and make it more attractive and competitive on the international helicopter construction market.

The helicopter was certified in 2013 for commercial use, but not passenger transportation.

“We have decided to offer our customers a comfortable and reliable helicopter in the light segment with a traditional hydro-mechanical control system,” said Kazan Helicopters CEO Vadim Ligai. “Receiving type certification for the passenger Ansat with hydro-mechanical controls opens up new opportunities to promote this helicopter in the global commercial operation market."

Kazan Helicopters, the Russian Helicopters company that designed and produces the Ansat, began work on certification of the commercial hydro-mechanical version of the helicopter in 2011. Previously Kazan Helicopters produced a fly-by-wire version of the Ansat; however there were no established requirements for such a helicopter. To bring the helicopter to market more quickly it was decided to adjust the Ansat program by switching to a traditional hydro-mechanical system. The adoption of a hydro-mechanical control system has not led to any increase in take-off weight or changes to its technical parameters.

The company said in a news release that the modernized Ansat is reliable and easy to operate, can tolerate a wide range of climates and temperatures, and is suitable for outdoor storage. Russian Helicopters has already demonstrated the new Ansat in key markets including the CIS, South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The Ansat can be used for transporting cargo and passengers, surveillance, search and rescue operations, fire-fighting, and medevac missions. It has manual and automatic piloting modes and can be used in regular or adverse weather conditions.

(Image provided by Russian Helicopters)

FMI: http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/en