In AAK Progress named after N.I. Sazykin of the Russian Helicopters holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation), the reconstruction of the workshop for the production of parts, units and blades from polymer-composite materials has been completed.

The work was carried out within the framework of the State program of the Russian Federation "Development of the military-industrial complex" (SE OPK) "Technical re-equipment (reconstruction) of the production of AAK Progress" and preparation for certification for the release of civilian equipment.

Currently, polymer-composite materials (PCMs) are increasingly used in aircraft construction. Today the share of units and assemblies made of PCM in civil aviation equipment reaches 50%. Therefore, the workshop for the production of parts, assemblies, blades from PCM at AAK Progress is an important link in the production of combat and civilian helicopters, where unique parts for the produced and future helicopter technology are manufactured, the length of which is up to 7 metres.

All reconstruction work was divided into two stages. The first is the replacement of all utilities and the installation of new technological equipment. The second stage of the project, which went beyond the SE OPK, where we raised our own funds, was to carry out general construction work and bring production to the required parameters in terms of room cleanliness class, temperature and humidity conditions, fire safety, ventilation system, "said the director of technical re-equipment and modernisation of AAK Progress Konstantin Yuriev.

As part of the second stage, the autoclave control system was completely replaced with a modern automated digital system, a painting and drying chamber, a robotic cutting complex, an impregnation machine, and a five-axis ultrasonic cutting machine for processing PCM products were purchased and put into operation.

With the advent of new equipment, labour productivity has also increased. Production is now concentrated in one workshop, which significantly saves labour time, and in some areas manual labour has been completely replaced by automated.

In the workshop, engineering communications have also been completely replaced - energy networks, water supply, sewerage, heating, ventilation. Inside the building, a major overhaul was carried out, new antistatic floor coverings were installed, walls and ceilings were repaired, lighting was replaced, and climatic systems were installed and put into operation. The latter not only provide a comfortable temperature for the personnel, but also maintain the temperature and humidity conditions necessary for the manufacture of PCM products. The exterior of the building has also changed - the facade and the roof have been repaired.