China, Russia sign heavy helicopter deal
(VOVWORLD) - China and Russia have signed a contract to jointly develop a heavy helicopter, said Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology Miao Wei on Wednesday.
The Chinese government will expedite the project’s approval. Miao said at a joint press conference with Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov at the 2019 Russian International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) in Zhukovsky, near Moscow.
Russian news channel RT previously reported that the heavy helicopter has been dubbed "Advanced Heavy Lift." It is expected to be in the 40-ton class, with a lift capability of 15 tons, a range of 630 kilometers and a top speed of 300 kilometers an hour.
Under the contract, at least 200 heavy helicopters will be built in China. China will be responsible for the helicopter's design and production, with Russia providing technical partner.