VR-Technologies VRT500

History

The VRT500 is a Russian-made helicopter designed for the light civil market, specifically targeting aircraft weighing 2 tons or less. It was introduced at MAKS 2017, and the plan was to have a prototype flying by 2019, with deliveries and services expected to start in 2020 or 2021. The VRT500 features a traditional design with a two-seat cockpit at the front and a small cabin at the rear, offering excellent visibility through large windows. Its unique feature is its coaxial main rotor setup, eliminating the need for a tail rotor, which simplifies the design.

The VRT500's cargo capacity stands at 1,610 pounds, with a maximum takeoff weight of nearly 3,527 pounds. It boasts a top speed of 250 km/h and a cruising speed of approximately 230 km/h. The helicopter can operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet and has a range of 460 nautical miles. If it proves to be a commercial success, the company aims to sell 1,000 VRT500 helicopters by 2035, potentially impacting the market position of competitors like Bell and Robinson in the sub-2 ton helicopter market.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service: 2024

Origins: Russia

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 1

Production: 1

Manufacturer: VR Technology (Russian Helicopters) - Russia

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special mission: MEDEVAC

Extraction of wounded combat or civilian elements using specialized shipboard equipment and available internal volume or external carrying capacity.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Commercial Aviation

Used in roles serving the commercial aviation market, moving passengers and cargo over long distances.

VIP service

Used in the VIP (Very Important Person) passenger role, usually with above-average amenities and luxury as standard.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Education (General)

Develop the ability to become a dedicated student pilot instructor (usually under the supervision of an instructor).

Training (Basic)

For aerial training, covering the basics of flight, general handling, take-off/landing maneuvers, etc.

Dimensions and Weights

Curb Weight: 1,874 lbs (850kg)

MTOW: 3,527 lbs (1,600 kg)

Wgt Difference: +1,653 lbs (+750kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x Pratt & Whitney PW207V gas turbine, power output unknown, driving a 2 x 3-blade coaxial main rotor.

Maximum speed: 96 km/h (155 km/h | 84 knots)

Maximum: 20,013 feet (6,100 m | 4 km)

Area: 529 km (852 km | 1,578 nautical miles)