Russian Helicopters tests unmanned tiltrotor aircraft

MOSCOW, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Russian Helicopters has completed the first flight test for its unmanned tiltrotor aircraft using a new testing stage.

The aircraft was made by VR-Technologies, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. The company says government agencies and oil and gas companies have showed interest in the project.

"The development of the unique aircraft started in 2015," VR-Technologies CEO Alexander Okhonko said. "Since then, we have achieved significant results and have already started the first stage of flight tests."

Russian Helicopters first revealed the tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle project during the MAKS International Air Show in August 2015. The product will be able to make vertical takeoffs and landings while carrying passengers or cargo at faster speeds than traditional helicopters.

The flight test was conducted as part of Russian Helicopters' adopted Speed program, which aims to create a flying test bed to better determine design layout efficiencies for products.