VRT500 is a light single-engine, up to six-seat helicopter developed by Russian Helicopters subsidiary innovation design office VR-Technologies; this project is a perfect example of how a close-knit collaboration between VR-Technologies and Italdesign, both focused in mutually spurring innovation blended with design, can originate remarkable results in terms of technical and aesthetic contents.
VRT500 features design criteria inspired by the automotive world, combined with engineering solutions deriving from the helicopter industry: the outcome is a highly appealing product for the new mobility requirements and specifically designed for smart cities.
The aircraft is characterized by an iconic front-end proposing bold nonetheless aerodynamic contour lines. The side panel is particularly identifiable thanks to the door cut that is modern and dynamic, with a front pillar creating a unique intersection with the front structure.
The bonnet was designed so to be integrated with the fuselage in the best way possible, with the introduction of styling and aerodynamics concepts worth to become a reference in this category.
For the interiors, a significant redesign was envisaged for cockpit, seats, internal paneling, lights and controls elements.
“Working with the skilled Team of VR-Technologies was a great experience for us. Our Industrial Design Division has a wide-ranging and transversal know-how and is able to combine design skills and stylistic sensibilities together with technology and engineering in creative ways, which is why it remains a constant reference point worldwide,” – says Jörg Astalosch, Italdesign CEO – “Over the years we have demonstrated we love facing new challenges and working with a technical, pioneering partner such as VR-Technologies is a stimulus to keep setting the bar of innovation pretty high.”
Download hi-res pics here.
About VR Technologies
VR-Technologies is the subsidiary innovation design office of Russian Helicopters, a leading player in the global helicopter industry; it is the sole Russian rotorcraft designer and manufacturer and one of the few companies worldwide with the capability to design, manufacture, service and test modern civilian and military helicopters. Russian Helicopters is part of State Corporation Rostec.
Russian Helicopters’ facilities span the entire country. The Company includes design bureaus, helicopter assembly plants, components production, maintenance and repair enterprises, aircraft repair plants, and helicopter service companies providing after-sales support in Russia and abroad. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. It was established in 2007, but its key enterprises date back more than 70 years.