Page 32 - AAA JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2013 Online Magazine

ROTARY

VERTICAL LIFT

Russian Helicopters to
open plant in India
Russian Helicopters has signed an
Mitsui Bussan Aerospace to distribute AW169 in Japan agreement with Elcom Systems – part
AgustaWestland has named Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (MBA) as the official of the Indian investment conglomerate
distributor of the AW169 helicopter in Japan, an agreement that includes a SUN Group – to set up an industrial
commitment for the sale of 20 AW169s in the Japanese market. Since 2005, MBA facility to produce Ka- and Mi- model
has also been the official distributor of the AW139 in Japan. Andrew Symonds, aircraft. The plant is expected to be
AgustaWestland’s Head of Region, North-East Asia said, “Our partnership with able to produce key helicopter units,
MBA has contributed significantly to the outstanding success of the AW139 in carry out final assembly of the craft,
Japan across a number of roles and applications. We are confident the AW169 will and engage in ground and flight testing.
find similar market response.” According to Russian Helicopters, the
plant will begin with the production of
components for the Ka-226T helicopter.
Commenting on the deal, Dmitry Petrov,
CEO of Russian Helicopters said, “The
creation of a joint Russian-Indian
enterprise marks a new stage and also
a logical continuation of our joint efforts
in light of the growing demand for
Russian helicopter models.”

First Bell 429 from
Sikorsky’s S-76 and Ka-32A11BC certified Singapore Service
S-92 fly into China in Australia Center delivered
Late last year, Sikorsky announced two Russian Helicopters’ Ka-32A11BC has Bell Helicopter has announced the
contracts with Ruili Jingcheng Group received a certificate of airworthiness delivery of the first Bell 429 from its new
(RJG), for a S-92 and a S-76D. This in Australia, reportedly the first Singapore facility, which opened July
marked Sikorsky’s first S-92 sold to a Russian-made helicopter to do so. 31, 2012. The Bell 429 was delivered
private Chinese operator and the first This certification allows Australian to PT Whitesky Aviation in Jakarta,
S-76D sale into China. Around the same operators to use the aircraft in search Indonesia, rounding PT Whitesky
time, Sikorsky also inked a contract and rescue missions, firefighting, Aviation’s fleet up to five Bell aircraft
with Zhuhai Helicopter Company for sling load operations and construction – two Bell 429s and three Bell 407s.
two S-92s, bringing its fleet up to five and installation work. According to Denon Prawiraatmadja, President and
S-92s and 12 S-76s. Zhuhai Helicopter its manufacturers, the Ka-32A11BC’s Director of PT Whitesky Aviation said,
Company is a key offshore helicopter unusual coaxial main rotor system “Bell Helicopter’s Singapore Service
operator in the Asian offshore oil allows great accuracy in the execution Center is a convenient one-stop shop
market. Ed Beyer, VP of Sikorsky of difficult manoeuvres, in addition for both sales and support. The ability to
Global Helicopters said, “We are truly to stability while hovering. The purchase and fly a new aircraft from one
feeling the warmth of the fast-growing helicopter has been certified in India location makes the process fast, smooth
helicopter market here [in China].” and Brazil since 2011. and efficient.”

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