The Russian Helicopters holding company (an affiliate of Rostec) has finished research & development works (R&D) on a prospective high-speed combat helicopter, Andrei Boginsky, director-general of the Russian Helicopters holding company, told TASS.

For the moment, a design with the classical rotor scheme is the most compatible with the technical requirements but the MoD may make amendments if it finds it necessary (Picture source: Russian Helicopters)

"We finished R&D works last year. We were successful because we had met the technical requirements. The Defense Ministry accepted our work. We are ready to pass on to the next phase, which will involve broad cooperation with Rostec’s enterprises. The most important thing is that the tasks and goals have been set," Boginsky went on to say. He added that no documents on the helicopter’s final appearance had been signed as of yet. The sides are working out their stances.

Boginsky said that the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) had received several conceptual proposals from a number of design bureaus, including the Mil and the Kamov. "Priority was given to a helicopter with classical configuration, so to speak, but no decision on the start of development works has been made so far. For the moment, a design with the classical rotor scheme is the most compatible with the technical requirements but the MoD may make amendments if it finds it necessary," he explained.

In August 2017, the MoD and the M.L. Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant signed an R&D contract "Speed" designed to develop a prospective (high-speed) combat helicopter. Both sides noted at the signing ceremony that the forthcoming R&D works would lay down the foundation for developing a new type of flying craft.

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