Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov is convinced that the manufacture of light helicopters can solve the problem of transport communication in Ukraine.
The official visited two helicopter plants in Kyiv region, namely PJSC Chezara and Vibston Aero, where he got acquainted with brand-new light helicopters and inspected their production facilities.
In particular, he noted that Ukraine continued the traditions of its great aircraft designer, Ihor Sikorsky, as the country built new helicopters. Turchynov says that aircraft equipment of Zaporizhia-based JSC Motor Sich, Ukraine’s largest manufacturer of airplane and helicopter engines, is known all over the world, and “six new light helicopter production facilities have lately been established in the country”.
“In Kyiv region alone we have visited two such plants today,” he said.
According to the official, young promising designers and engineers create light multipurpose helicopters that can be used by border troops, the State Emergency Situations Service for the detection and localization of emergencies, for reconnaissance and fulfillment of combat tactical tasks in the Armed Forces.
“But in addition to the security and defense sector, helicopter production is a very promising area for the civil sector. Light helicopters, being mobile and fast, can solve the transport problem. It’s time to look at helicopters as an ordinary and efficient vehicle,” he added.
At the same time Turchynov says local infrastructure is not ready for the widespread use of helicopters, which can be quickly changed, if desired. He added that many countries were actively developing helicopter infrastructure and simplifying the use of private helicopters. The official also stressed the need to adopt such experience.
“There are many problems with the construction of roads in Ukraine, which are solved in a rather difficult and slow way. But our airspace is in line with the best European standards without investment. It does not need repairs where money can be stolen. Thus, light helicopters can be in demand on the domestic market. Moreover, the price offered by Ukrainian producers is much lower than that of foreign analogues. Already today any medium-sized business can afford such helicopters,” Turchynov summed up. (UNIAN/Business World Magazine)