Russian Helicopters Holding (part of Rostec State Corporation) intends to commence certification trials of the bleeding-edge helicopter Ka-62 early in 2018. The trials are to be completed within two years, following which the machine will be available for commercial use.

Progress Aresenyev Aviation Company has by now produced two flight models. The first one has already undergone in-plant tests in May 2017. According to the testing programme, Ka-62 has already performed the first circuit-circling at 110 km/h for 15 minutes. The test pilots of JSC Kamov, the principle principal of Ka-62, have tested its overall operating performance, main energy supply systems, airborne equipment and power unit.

The second flight model has been unveiled to the Russian and foreign audiences at the third Eastern Economic Forum.

"We continue preparing Ka-62 helicopter for mass production. We will conduct a series of ground and flight certification trials, following which we will offer the model to the market. This will be a state-of-the-art hi-tech helicopter, which I believe is bound to enjoy a good demand on the market," said Andrei Boginsky, the CEO of Russian Helicopters.

Moreover, a third flight model of helicopter Ka-62 is scheduled for the development in 2018.

Helicopter Ka-62 is designed for the passenger carriage, off-shore works, emergency medical aid, search and rescue, conveyance of cargo inside the cabin and as suspended load, patrolling and environmental monitoring. The high operating ceiling and high power loading of its engines enable Ka-62 to perform search-and-rescue and evacuation works in mountainous areas.

Ka-62 was made of the most advanced polymeric composite materials (PCM). The amount of PCM in the helicopter was brought to 60% in weight, which allowed reducing the weight of the empty machine, consequently increasing its speed, manoeuvrability and lifting capacity, as well as reduce fuel consumption. The helicopter stands out with perfect aerodynamic lines of the airframe, high capacity of the cargo and passenger cabin, and the tricycle landing gear with tail support.