VRT300 tests begin

Two versions of the VRT300 are proposed, one for Arctic operations and the other for monitoring and remote sensing missions in the energy industry.
Russian Helicopters

The VR-Technologies design bureau, part of Russian Helicopters, has started bench-testing the main systems and assemblies on its VRT300 unmanned helicopter.

A functional and technical configuration, agreed between a range of Russian companies and authorities, is the basis for the development of a flight test prototype that will test systems, equipment, payloads and ground control equipment.

Alexander Okhonko, VRTechnologies Director General, said: “If everything goes as planned, by the end of this year we will start flight tests. Technical solutions of VRT300 will ensure the level of failure-free operation, reliability and safety that is required for the operation in the international market of civil UAVs’.

Two VRT300 versions will be developed. Arctic Supervision will be designed to support the transport infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route and aid in the exploration of Arctic regions, and Opticvision will feature increased flight range to perform monitoring and remote sensing missions.

The Arctic variant will be equipped with a high-resolution side-looking radar to enable the prompt assessment of ice sheet dynamics. It will have a 70kg (154lb) payload and be used for transport, search and rescue operations and determine the size of ice fields suitable for scientific polar stations.

The Opticvision configuration is designed to support the energy industry, undertaking diagnostics of overhead power lines, mapping, cargo transportation, exploration works, and environmental and infrastructure monitoring. Mark Broadbent