Dubai Airshow 2023: Paramount completes first test phase for new composite rotor blades
Paramount displayed the composite blades at the Dubai Airshow. (Photo: Paramount)
The composite rotor blades for Mil Mi-type helicopters have been developed by global aerospace and technology company Paramount and partner AAL Group.
Composite rotor blades developed by global aerospace and technology company Paramount Group for Mi-series helicopters have come a step closer to being operationally ready following successful initial testing by industry partner AAL Group.
The blades were on public display during the Dubai Airshow after the testing in UAE by AAL and work continues to achieve full qualification.
This achievement represents a step towards the planned commencement of composite blade production at AAL's MRO facilities in Sharjah, UAE.
Related Articles
Nigeria orders Mi-171Sh, Mi-35M
Serbia purchases Mi-35Ms and Mi-17V-5s
New composite helicopter blades make debut at Army 2020
The blades are described as substantially superior to older metal components. They allow for the replacement of individual damaged blades, rather than the entire set, resulting in cost-efficiency and minimal downtime, particularly as a damaged blade or set can be repaired on-site, ensuring a shorter turnaround.
Development of the blades started in 2006 and they are designed to match the functional and performance capabilities of metal equivalents, requiring no further modification to the aircraft, and offer an operational life of up to 20,000 hours.
The market for the blades is substantial with hundreds of the latest Mi-35M ordered or in service since 2005. These aircraft are expected to be in use out beyond 2055.
The Mi-8AMTSh (or Mi-171Sh for export) is another key market opportunity with the possibility that these types will be operating beyond the next three decades with more than 500 aircraft ordered or in service.
There are also more than 600 Mi-24P and Mi-24V (export designations Mi-35P and Mi-35V) operational although most of these are older aircraft and almost all would be retired in the next 10 or 15 years.
Shephard's Dubai Airshow 2023 coverage is sponsored by:
More from Dubai Airshow 2023 | View all news
-
![South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs]()
South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs
Boeing and South Korea have solidified plans that would see Boeing UAV design and technology capabilities implemented locally by South Korean companies.
-
![Ukraine fields 5,000 homegrown drones amid Iran's debut of advanced Shahed-238 UAV]()
Ukraine fields 5,000 homegrown drones amid Iran's debut of advanced Shahed-238 UAV
Amid escalating tensions and technological advancements in drone warfare, Ukraine has reinforced its front lines with a delivery of 5,000 indigenous drones, paralleled by Iran's revelation of the new jet-powered Shahed-238.
-
![Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C]()
Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C
The updated E-99M aircraft features an updated Erieye Radar and C2 systems, as well as new EW and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems.
-
![Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft]()
Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft
A new agreement between Leonardo, the Italian government and Slovenia has marked the procurement of a second C-27J Spartan medium tactical transport aircraft for Slovenia, following an earlier deal signed in March 2022.
-
![Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production]()
Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production
Boeing's progress in the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter programme have marked a milestone in the transition toward low-rate initial production, following the delivery of the final test aircraft to the US Air Force.
-
![Boeing and Red 6 make moves on airborne augmented reality training]()
Boeing and Red 6 make moves on airborne augmented reality training
Boeing and augmented reality training specialist Red 6 have achieved notable progress in integrating advanced technology into training aircraft.
