Press releases
01.02.2004
A good gearbox makes a good helicopter!Magazine «Helicopter», Number 2
PDF-file (320.5 Kb)This statement was made by Nikolai Semikopenko, the Managing Director of Reductor-PM JSC, one of the largest Perm engineering enterprises. Powerful production facilities, rich experience and highly-qualified specialists enable the enterprise to produce, repair and maintain main gearboxes and transmissions for Mi-8, Mi-8MTV, Mi-14, Mi-17, Mi-26, Mi-28N, Ansat, Mi-34 helicopters.
On March 31, 2004, the Mi-28N modern Russian combat air support helicopter made its first flight. Reductor-PM JSC was one of its developers, having produced its main gearbox and transmission.
How did you succeed in creating the gearbox and transmission possessing such high performance characteristics?
The designers of Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant proposed an absolutely new multiflow main gearbox with a reduction ratio over 50. This design was based on an effective mechanism, which allowed equalizing of power flows. Later, its reliability was proven during the Mi-26 helicopter operation and Ansat and Mi-28N rotorcraft tests. Unlike VR-26 main gearbox, VR-29 main gearbox for Mi-28N helicopter possesses improved performance capability. Thanks to its two free wheels, the helicopter generator, as well as the helicopter systems components, can be activated during ground checking without starting the main engines and rotating the main rotor.
And what are the results of Reductor-PM JSC activity in 2003? What helps to step up the rate of economic growth?
In recent years, the company’s economic performance has been evidently improving. In 2003, the growth of production output was 36% (in comparison with the previous year) and comprised 867.1 million rubles. Our economic growth is based on a special development strategy, which draws on the experience of our engineers, who have been producing gearboxes and transmissions for more than 50 years. The lasting cooperation with Aviadvigatel JSC, Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant JSC, Klimov Corporation, Aeromekhanika SPE and other leading Russian aerospace companies, as well as with all helicopter-building enterprises, is also very effective.
Could you tell us about today’s priorities of your company?
The main line of the company’s activity is the production of helicopter gearboxes and transmissions. The manufacturing and maintenance of Mil helicopters make 65% of its production output, while the manufacturing of engine’s components and parts and experimental work make 20% and 15%, respectively. The company is also increasing its share in repair service market. We repair 15% of VR-8F gearboxes for Mi-8 helicopters, and about 30% of VR-14 gearboxes. Today, we are the only company able to perform the overhaul of VR-26 gearbox for the Mi-26 helicopter, VR-29 gearbox for the Mi-28N helicopter and VR-34 gearbox for the Mi-34 helicopter. Our customers may be sure to receive products of desired quality which meet all technical requirements.
Reductor-PM JSC has its permanent and devoted customers, and their number is growing…
This is true. I think they trust us. They do trust us before all because of the high quality and reliability of our production. To better the quality and competitiveness of the products, the enterprise improves its quality management system, which was certified according to ISO-9001-200 requirements. We consider the beginning of state tests of the Mi-28N rotorcraft, fitted with our transmission, a real prove of our authority. “A good gearbox makes a good
helicopter!” These are not idle words.
