Tiltrotor by Russian Helicopters makes its first flight

A unique unmanned tiltrotor has successfully completed a new testing stage by performing its first flight. The aircraft was created by VR-Technologies, an innovative design bureau, part of Russian Helicopters. A number of oil and gas companies and various government agencies are already showing interest in the unique project.

“The development of the unique aircraft started in 2015. Since then, we have achieved significant results and have already started the first stage of flight tests,” said the CEO of VR-Technologies Alexander Okhonko.

The project is implemented as part of the Speed program adopted by Russian Helicopters. The main objective during the development of the unmanned aircraft was to create a flying test bed to determine the efficiency of design layouts and search for innovative solutions.

A number of potential customers are ready to buy the unmanned complex for tasks related to monitoring and environmental control in areas with no possibility to use air strips. The complex can maintain smoke control in forests and restrained urban conditions, make aerial photographs, conduct monitoring of oil and gas facilities, and transport medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas.

The project of the future multirole unmanned aerial vehicle was first unveiled by Russian Helicopters in August 2015 during MAKS International Air Show.

Tiltrotors are a special class of rotorcrafts that have a number of advantages over traditional aerial vehicles built up according to the airplane or helicopter schemes. They can make vertical takeoffs and landings on restricted landing pads while transporting passengers or cargo with greater speed and over longer distances than traditional helicopters.

Russian Helicopters performed the tests of the tiltrotor at Skolkovo Innovation Centre.