Story ID: 
Russian Helicopters Expanding Western Hemisphere Service
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: The fleet of Russian-made helicopters operating in Latin America and the Caribbean exceeds 400.
Word Count: 168
Russian Helicopters is in the process of planning to provide after-sales service and maintenance for helicopters operating in Latin America and the Caribbean, a fleet that now exceeds 400. The Mi-8/17 is the most popular type, accounting for 320 aircraft. There are also 60 Soviet and Russian-made helicopters in Cuba, including about 50 Mi-8/17s.

In addition to its extensive military helicopter experience, Russian Helicopters also offers digital avionics systems and additional equipment that enables civilian helicopters to be used in search-and-rescue and passenger transport operations. It will also offer a modernization program to expand helicopters' operational capabilities.

All helicopter modernization work will be performed under the control of Russian Helicopters design bureau specialists. After-sales service will be offered at the Yu. A. Gagarin Aircraft Repair Plant in Cuba. Russian Helicopters is currently negotiating with Cuban counterparts to retool the plant and authorize it to do after-sales service and maintenance on Soviet- and Russian-made military and civilian helicopters. An opening date has not yet been announced.