Rotorcraft
Russia Unveils Coaxial Single
The VRT500 is intended to compete with the Bell 505 and Robinson R66.

Two months after announcing that it had received major financing from Russia's state-owned Vnesheconombank (VEB) for the project, Russian Helicopters unveiled a mock-up of the long-awaited VRT500 new light civil utility single in late July. Developed by Russian Helicopters' subsidiary VR-Technologies, the coaxial design features two three-blade main rotors with shaped carbon-fiber blades to cut noise emissions, extensive composite construction, glass-panel avionics and sliding rear cabin doors. Plans call for its turboshaft engine to be Western-sourced, possibly from Safran.


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