Page 34 - AAA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2013 Online Magazine

ROTARY

VERTICAL LIFT

Korean Chopper
South Korea’s Korea Aerospace
Industries (KAI) is planning to push its
locally built helicopter, the Surion, into
overseas markets. The Surion KUH-1 is
the result of the Korean government’s
six-year $1.17 billion project, started
in June, 2006 to produce a twin-
engine light utility helicopter. The
Surion, which uses Eurocopter-built
rotor, gearboxes and control systems,
New Ka-62 takes off made its first flight in 2010 with ten
Rostec State Corporation has revealed advanced technology in high-precision production models so far taken by the
its new Ka-62, its first Russian aircraft drives and gears. Customers for the Korean Army. Powered by two GE T-700
built in collaboration with international new helicopter include Brazil’s Atlas turboshaft engines, the Surion can
partners. Using European-sourced Taxi Aereo and Vertical de Aviacion carry around 4,000kg and a range of
Ardiden 3G engines made by France’s of Colombia which features GPS and 260km and 3,000m ceiling. The Korean
Turbomeca, it uses dual-channel GLONASS systems, and is ready for military has placed orders for some
FADEC systems and Zodiac Aerospace Galileo support too - the satellite 250 of the aircraft to replace its ageing
fuel systems – also from France. navigation system being developed by Vietnam style Hueys, and the new push
Additionally, the transmission has been the EU and European Space Agency in for civilian orders is projected to bring
made by Austrian firm Zoerkler, which collaboration with China, Israel, South in up to 300 more orders. With around
has many years’ experience and the Korea, Ukraine and Russia. 60% of the aircraft’s parts made locally,
it will provide a significant boost for the
country’s fledgling aviation industry
Mikheev gets CEO post say observers.
Russian Helicopters has appointed
Alexander Mikheev as CEO, promoted
from his previous role as deputy CEO Slow Rotation
of holding company Rosoboronexport. According to a new report from R&M,
“Today Russian Helicopters is entering the global commercial helicopter
a new stage in its development,” said sector will see a modest 3% growth
Vladimir Artyakov, Russian Helicopters up until 2023. The report notes that
Chairman. Mikheev is tasked with despite solid ongoing markets in
continuing to broaden the company’s HEMS, VIP transport, law enforcement
range of products, and strengthening and public safety both Europe and
its commercial helicopter lineup. North America, these markets are
The company’s projections targets saturated and not expected to register
an increase in global market share to significant growth in the next decade.
18%-20% from the current 14% by 2020, Emerging markets like Latin America
including by expanding its presence in and the Middle East are expected to
the CIS, China, India, the Middle East, provide the majority of growth over
Africa and Latin America. the coming period.

34 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM