MOSCOW and BEIJING — A Russo-Chinese cooperative program for an unusually large helicopter should move into full-scale development, with an agreement due to be signed this year.
But the Russian share of the program is looking increasingly limited.
Russia and China have been studying the helicopter – known as the Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL) – since 2008. It was initially supposed to enter service from 2014-19. With a gross weight of around 38 metric tons (84,000 lb.), it will be about as large as the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion military helicopter.
Russian Helicopters and Avic will sign a contract for development by the end of this year, a spokesperson for the Russian state company says. A framework agreement was signed last May.
Each of the two manufacturers has prepared a design for the AHL. Avic officials said last year that the concepts would be merged. The Chinese side is likely to have the greatest influence, since it will offer the main market for the program and probably most of the funds.
The Russian company says it will develop the AHL’s main transmission, tail rotor and anti-icing systems. Chinese industry officials have said that Russian Helicopters will make the transmission, embodying some of the most complex technology in rotorcraft, but they can provide another critical rotorcraft technology: automatic flight control.
While Russian Helicopters may well help in other areas, such as aerodynamics, mention of Russian participation in building the airframe and main rotor is notably absent. In short, the AHL looks increasingly like a Chinese helicopter with heavy technical support from Russia.
The AHL is intended to carry 10 tons of cargo internally, or up to 15 tons on a sling. The Chinese design, at least, provides for the unusually high service ceiling of 5,700 meters (16,400 ft.).
The main market appears to be civil, but the Chinese military is likely to have uses for a helicopter of such size.
It is not clear whether the partners have selected major suppliers. Last year, the Russian side suggested the AHL should have a Russian-made PD-12V powerplant based upon the gas generator for the PD-14, a new turbofan developed for Russia’s MC-21 narrowbody airliner. But a spokesperson for PD-14 maker United Engine Corp. tells Aviation Week that the company has not signed an agreement with Russian Helicopters to develop a turboshaft derivative.
Avic officials say the AHL should have a Chinese engine.