HUANGSHAN /China/, June 20. /TASS/. Russia has informed China that the work on the development of the Russian-Chinese heavy helicopter AHL (Advanced Heavy Lifter) is totally autonomous from third countries. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin told reporters on Monday after a meeting of the Russian-Chinese intergovernmental commission on preparing regular meetings of the heads of government that it was important for the Chinese side to hear that the project is independent from Ukraine.
"We also informed (China) that we are completely independent from anyone else in this project. Because the work has started at the Perm-based Aviadvigatel Plant to create on the basis of the PD-14 engine a new engine, which has successfully passed flight tests", he said.
"The PD-10 and PD-12V - these engines, especially PD-12V, are designed to replace the helicopter engine, which had been previously manufactured at Ukraine’s Zaporozhye-based Motor Sich Plant", Rogozin said.
According to him, Russia acts within this project in accordance with the technical design specification developed by the Chinese side. "Therefore, it was important for the Chinese side to learn that the Russian side is now completely autonomous and independent in terms of technology for participation in this kind of project", the Russian deputy prime minister said.
In May 2015, the holding Russian Helicopters and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the sphere of the creation of an advanced heavy helicopter.
According to previous TASS reports, data published in September 2015 suggested that the AHL helicopter will have a seven-bladed main rotor with five-bladed tail rotor. The maximum takeoff weight of the rotorcraft will be 38.2 tons, the service ceiling - 5,700 meters. The helicopter flight range will reach 630 kilometers, maximum speed - 300 km per hour. The AHL lifting capacity will be10 tons if the cargo is placed inside and 15 tons - if it is placed on an external sling. The helicopter will be designed to operate round-the-clock in hot climates, mountainous terrain and all weather conditions, and will be able to fly a highly varied range of missions from transportation to medevac, firefighting and much more.