MOSCOW - HeliVert, a joint venture between Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland, has signed a contract with Exclases Russia for five AW139 helicopters. The helicopters, a mix of VIP and utility-configured helicopters, will be assembled at the HeliVert plant in Tomilino, located near Moscow.
The HeliVert plant is located in Russian Helicopters' National Helicopter Building Center in Tomilino. The plant was constructed from scratch, and is now one of the most advanced facilities of the kind in Russia. Production of AW139 helicopters in Russia began in 2012 and is expected to average to 15-20 helicopters annually.
The plant is intended to meet the growing demand for the AW139 in the Russian market, as well as the CIS market in general. The first AW139 assembled in Tomilino performed its maiden flight in December 2012.
The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines rated 1,252 kW (1,679 shp) each at takeoff power and 1,142 kW (1,531 shp) at max continuous power.
