China-Russia Heavy Helicopter to Fly by 2032: Deal Signed at MAKS 2019

China and Russia have signed an agreement at the MAKS 2019, according to which, advanced heavy-lift helicopter to be jointly developed by the two countries will take to the skies by 2032.

"The Chinese government will accelerate the progress for a project approval and finish it as soon as possible, so the project can officially start. We plan to deliver it by 2032," said Miao Wei, China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology, at the air show.

The chopper is expected to be 40-ton class, with a weight-lift capability of 15 tons, a range of 630km and a top speed of 300kmph. Russian media have previously reported that that at least 200 of these heavy-lift helicopters will be built.

“The 40-ton class Advanced Lift Helicopter jointly developed by Russia and China is expected to be delivered by 2032,” Wu Ximing, Chinese political advisor and chief designer of helicopters for the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, had said in March of this year.

China is said to be responsible for the helicopter's design and production, while Russia will be acting as a technical partner.

"Russia is more experienced in the transmission system when it comes to 40-ton class helicopters, as Russia's Mi-26 is of the 56-ton class. Our goal in the cooperation is to learn from Russia's strong points and close the gap. China lacks experience in technologies related to the transmission system," Ximing had added.