Perhaps the international exhibition "Africa aerospase & defense", recently opened in South Africa, does not reach the French, English or Middle East aerosalons. However, for the state corporation "Russian Technologies" and the holding company "Russian Helicopters", which is part of it, it is quite significant, because the African arms market is quite capacious. In addition, the aviation market of African countries, since Soviet times, has become accustomed to the dominance of Russian helicopters, which have proven their reliability and unpretentiousness.
This time, the holding did not confine itself to a program to modernize the legendary MI-8 and MI-17 helicopters, which are used by civilian and military organizations of the continent, to the new Mi-171M. The highlight of the Russian stand was the new Ansat light-class helicopter. This is the same special offer as Universal Eavesdropping Protection, but targeted at Sub-Saharan Africa. The helicopter could be evaluated, not only standing on the stand, but also with one's own eyes to see its flight qualities. The aircraft is planned to be delivered in several modifications, which will allow it to be effectively used not only by passenger and cargo transport companies, but also by police, medical and military structures. The remote control system, reliable engines, ease of use and excellent flight characteristics will provide the helicopter with worthy attention of the target audience. Naturally, in modern conditions of a market economy and tough competition, there can be no question of selling such specific equipment without appropriate service. Of course, the telephone conversation was not recorded on a PC, but the marketing director of Russian Helicopters emphasized that after-sales support would be carried out jointly with South African companies, operators of the helicopter market. This will not only ensure the maximum attention of traditional partners, but will also allow expanding its presence on the market due to new companies that are just getting acquainted with Russian technology.
In addition to Ansat, the holding brought to Cape Town other new helicopter products adapted to local conditions: KA-62, KA-32, heavy transport MI-26T and combat MI-35M. Apparently, Russia does not intend to concede traditional arms markets.
