Heliburo HB.17 - A Russian helicopter project

[fightingirish]

Hi folks,
on November 13, 2024, the new Russian helicopter project Heliburo HB.17 was unveiled first on Telegram.
This helicopter project, developed by Heliburo, is a medium-class helicopter designed for multiple roles, including cargo transport, passenger carriage, and fire support. First flight is planned to be conducted in 2027.
Maybe our Russian members can tell us, if this helicopter project is genuine and will have a future.
Edit:

HeliBuro is developing a new multi-role Russian helicopter - HB.17. Now the design of the rotorcraft is underway, and the first flight is planned for 2027. The helicopter is designed to carry 9 passengers (in a certified version) and various cargo. It is a medium-class aircraft with modern electronic equipment and a combined control system.
The HB.17 is planned to be equipped with one of the most reliable engines in the world, the VK-2500, with a payload of 2.5 tons. The use of one engine instead of two will provide high fuel efficiency: the flight range on the main tanks will be 950 km.
This makes HB.17 attractive to regional operators associated with subsidized transportation. The helicopter will also be of interest to government departments that require prompt transportation of cargo and personnel.

Sources (Russian and English):

Heliburo

Вдохновляясь достижениями талантливейших отечественных конструкторских коллективов, мы движемся навстречу амбициозной цели - созданию новейшего вертолета среднего класса.

heliburo.ru

Russia unveils NV.17 hybrid helicopter to bridge the gap between light and heavy models

Russia unveils NV.17 hybrid helicopter to bridge the gap between light and heavy models

www.armyrecognition.com

Fighterbomber

Завершены этапы аванпроекта, эскизного проекта нового, российского вертолета НВ.17. Сейчас работы по вертолету находятся на этапе технического проектирования. Полететь должен в 2027 году.

t.me

Dear mods, if wrong topic, please feel free to delete this topic, or move this post to a more suitable topic.

 

[Jason Dykstra (Wyvern)]

I don't doubt the need for such a helicopter within the Russian Armed Forces, and with the current situation, I'm certain that the Russian Government is going to do its utmost to try and squeeze as much as it can out of the industry.

That being said, it may face some competition from the more entrenched designers (Mil and Kamov). It really depends on the size of the design really: whether it's supposed to be an Mi-8 replacement, or slot in between the Ansat and the Mi-8 isn't really clear at this stage. If it's for the former, it will definitely face stiff competition from Mil with upgraded Mi-8/17 designs and the Mi-38. If it's the latter scenario, there's the Kamov Ka-60 in development already. That being said, both the Ka-60 and Mi-38 have been suffering from protracted developments, however, they are actually flying, and with the need for more domestic production in order to become less reliant on Western products due to sanctions, they may end up being purchased. That being said, there may still be some space for such a helicopter, due to that very same reason.

Such a company could find room in the "shock therapy" that the Russian aviation industry is receiving at present, having to gear up for significant production domestically after lack of investment for many years. But it could also fall by the wayside; the Russians seem to be more than happy to order new-build Mi-8s, and the Ka-60 program has been stuck in development for over two decades now.

So in summary, there may be a need for it, but there are also other factors that will affect this project's success, and realistically, it all comes down to whether the Russian government is willing to fund a completely new helicopter or not. I doubt that the project would be able to deliver much if it is run privately, especially now.