Russian-built avionics fly on Eurocopter Vostok EC135 helicopters

Posted by John McHale DONAUWORTH, Germany, 15 Sept. 2010. Eurocopter Vostok delivered the first EC135 T2i helicopters, part of a purchase contract for eight EC135 helicopters in passenger configuration, to Gazpromavia at Eurocopter's facility in Donauworth, Germany. This EC135 is the first Eurocopter helicopter equipped with Russian-built mission avionics, produced by Transas Aviation -- a Russian avionics manufacturer based in St. Petersburg. "We can confidently state this contract lays the foundation for long-term fruitful cooperation between Gazpromavia, Eurocopter Vostok and Transas Aviation," says Nikolai Lebedev, the president of Transas group. "Not only are such contracts of interest to the participating parties, they also confirm the potential of Russia in the field of avionics development and manufacturing." "The EC135's introduction into our fleet is a milestone event for Gazpromavia, and its Russian content has enabled the perfect customization of this reliable and efficient helicopter to our operational needs," says Gazpromavia's general director Andrey Ovcharenko. "We plan to extend our strategic partnership with Eurocopter -- particularly in the field of training services -- which will be in addition to the operations support and maintenance provided by the company in our facility at Ostafievo airport." Gazpromavia is the general air carrier of Russia's Gazprom energy company and is one of the country's 10 largest airlines. Laurence Rigolini says the EC135 T2i helicopters will be operated in challenging weather conditions throughout Russia. Eurocopter Vostok is Eurocopter's subsidiary that provides sales, customer support, and fleet follow-up for the companyâs helicopters in Russia and the CIS. "We eagerly look forward to the first operational results with the EC135 T2i," she adds. "This mutual program will contribute to strengthening our footprint in Russia, and we are confident these helicopters will fly high in Gazpromavia's colors throughout the countryâs skies." Gazpromavia is one of the helicopter operators in Russia, with the fleet of 108 rotary-wing aircraft -- mainly manufactured in Russia. Since 2006, Gazpromavia has operated Eurocopter's EC120, and a maintenance center for Eurocopter helicopters was created at its facility in Ostafievo.

Russian-built avionics fly on Eurocopter Vostok EC135 helicopters

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