„Vertolety Rossii“ corporation has introduced its unmanned helicopter VRT-300 for the first time, on MAKS-2017 exhibition. It´s a product of „Vertolety Rossii“ division “construction bureau VR-Technologii”. Currently, there are two main models of VRT-300: Arctic Supervision and Opticvision. Arctic Supervision model is designed for surveying ice surface in Arctic waters, mapping of Artic areas, determining the thickness of the ice on the vessel´s path, meteorological survey, ecological monitoring and conducting search and rescue works. For this purpose, it is equipped with X-band radar. It can also carry useful load of 70 kg. Opticvision model is designed for conducting monitoring of power lines, aerial cartography, monitoring of protected natural areas, roads, it provides early warning and disaster relief in the sphere of mining of natural resources, diagnosis and monitoring of oil and gas pipelines, etc. It has endurance of 5 hours. The amount for research and production for VRT-300 series is set to be 395 mil. rubles.
At the beginning of December 2017, this unmanned helicopter was presented to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry ROGOZIN in the framework of the "Arctic - Present and Future" forum. During this forum, General Director of Vertolety Rossii Corporation, Andrej BOGINSKIY, stated that helicopter technology had a tremendous impact in exploring the Arctic and until today it has no replacement, due to a wide range of tasks. Director of the VR Technology Engineering Division, Aleksandr OKHONKO, told reporters that the technical requirements for an unmanned helicopter were formed and the manufacturer has selected suppliers of its main systems and aggregates. He also added that the technical solutions applied on the VRT-300 will provide the necessary level of trouble-free operation, reliability and safety upon introduction of this unmanned helicopter on the international civilian market.
According to the information provided, the VRT-300 can be put on export in 2020. The task is to obtain a type certificate by the end of 2019 and to start commercial sales in 2020. The first flight of an unmanned helicopter is scheduled for the end of 2018, which was confirmed by the press department of Vertolety Rossii Corporation. As of April 2018, the VRT-300 is conducting stand tests and from the end of the year, the manufacturer will proceed to aerial and construction tests. The first prototype will serve as a so-called a flying lab, to test all systems and equipment, including interaction between the machine and the ground control center.
By 2030-2035, it is planned to sell up to 400 unmanned helicopters while the manufacturer has currently around 200 pre-orders. In some countries, negotiations are being held for the rental of machines, with the operation and servicing being provided by the Russian side. It should be noted that the main task of the division, "VR-Technology Engineering Office", is the development and production of goods, designed for export market. Thus, they strive to comply with all European and American standards.
The main features of the VRT-300 unmanned helicopter include:
- It is the first Russian unmanned helicopter designed for the civilian market
- It is equipped with a hydraulically stabilized opto-electronic system
- He can land on vessel´s board
- It is equipped with a diesel engine
Technical Specifications:
Max. Payload: 300 kg
Useful payload: 70 kg
Max. speed: 180 km/h
Endurance: 5 hours
Range: 150 km