Aeromax is moving its V-700 heavy uncrewed helicopter program into the final development phase, with the company positioning the platform for sustained operations in Russia’s Arctic, Siberia and Far East logistics corridors.
The aircraft is being developed by IKAR, a subsidiary within the Aeromax group, with support from Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade. The design has already passed an initial airworthiness assessment by Russia’s aviation regulator, while a mock-up review process is now underway to validate system architecture ahead of prototype build.
Aeromax plans to complete assembly of the first flight prototype by late 2026, with flight testing expected to begin in 2027.
The ongoing mock-up review focuses on layout validation, maintainability, and systems integration before production of the prototype airframe. The stage is intended to reduce redesign risk early in the program and confirm alignment with certification requirements.
The V-700 is designed to carry payloads of up to 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds), targeting remote regions where surface transport infrastructure is limited or absent. The concept of operations includes cargo resupply, medical evacuation support, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and wildfire response missions for Russian civil emergency services.
Power is provided by the domestically produced VK-650V turboshaft engine, certified for rotorcraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to four metric tons. The selection of a Russian-origin powerplant removes dependence on imported propulsion systems and anchors the program within a fully domestic supply chain.
Company executives say the certification effort for the V-700 is also intended to establish a technical and regulatory baseline for heavier uncrewed rotary-wing systems in future programs.
Georgy Alyoshkin, chief executive of IKAR Engineering, said the company remains on track to deliver a flight-ready prototype by the end of the year, adding that the mock-up review confirms the stability of the program’s core technical decisions.
Dmitry Kopysov, head of aircraft certification at Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, said the V-700 is among the largest uncrewed helicopters currently progressing through certification in Russia. He noted that the program could help streamline certification pathways for more complex unmanned rotorcraft in the future.
Aeromax develops unmanned aerial systems, ground control infrastructure and navigation equipment. The company also operates a fleet of aircraft across multiple Russian regions, while affiliated IKAR units provide maintenance, modification and lifecycle support services for aviation platforms.
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