The parties agreed to continue their cooperation aimed at deep localization of the AW189 helicopter manufacturing in Russia. The sides intend to gradually bring manufacturing localization level to 70 percent and completely localize production by 2025.
“The agreement signed today confirms our intentions to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in joint manufacturing of new aircrafts and technology transfer,” said Mikheev. “The beginning of production of [the] AW189 in Russia will give a fresh push to the development of the civil helicopter industry.”
Assembling, maintenance and training of crew and technicians for the AW189 will be performed at the JV’s HeliVert plant in Tomilino, Moscow region. Under the agreement, Leonardo-Finmeccanica will supply 30 helicopters to Rosneft.
Today, the HeliVert joint venture provides comprehensive service support and ensures maintenance of various modifications of the AW139 helicopters, both Russian and Italian-made. Additionally, HeliVert has gained the right to perform maintenance and repairs of Italian and Russian-made AW189 helicopters based on the aircraft operator program.
The medium multi-role AW189 produced by Italian AgustaWestland is used for offshore flights, search-and-rescue operations, as well as for cargo, passenger and other transportation. Its maximum takeoff weight is 8.3 tonnes. Cruising speed is 287 kilometers per hour and maximum flight range (with additional tanks) is 600 nautical miles.