10 February 2016 (01:12 UTC-07 Tango 01) / 21 Bahman 1394/01 Jumada al-Ula 1437/03 Geng Yin 4714

During the unofficial Cold War we knew of Kamov and Mil, major producers of combat helicopters for the Soviet Union.  Those two companies merged and are now known as Russian Helicopters.

Neat looking ‘Alligators’ originally designed and produced by Kamov

Recently Russian news reports said their government was ready to allow private investments into Russian Helicopters, including investments by foreigners.  The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is also considering ‘selling off’ a 25% “blocking stake” in the helicopter maker.

Latest version of the iconic ‘Hind’, originally designed and produced by Mil

At the end of 2014 Russian Helicopter reported that it was so busy with orders that it would be producing up to 280 helicopters every year, but only until the end of this year.  Perhaps that’s why they’re being opened up to foreign investment?

They make cool looking silly-vilian helicopters as well