Today marks the 80th anniversary of Russian Helicopters’ Aircraft Repair Plant No. 12. (ARP 12).

“As we celebrate this important date, I would like to thank the staff of ARP 12 for the contribution that they make every day to developing and strengthening Russia’s helicopter industry. You are professionals of a high calibre with unique experience and deep knowledge of aircraft maintenance,” said Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikhev. “Today ARP 12 is actively involved in programmes being undertaken by Russian Helicopters to provide full-cycle support for helicopters produced at our plants. I congratulate the plant’s staff on this anniversary and wish you all good health, prosperity and continued success!”

ARP 12 was founded in Khabarovsk on 20 August 1934 as Air Force Static Aviation Workshop No. 60, and repaired a variety of aircraft, engines and components. During the Second World War, the plant repaired almost all military aircraft in service at the time.

In 1946 the workshops were renamed as Aircraft Repair Base No. 281. As the country began developing jet aircraft in the 1950s, ARP 12 undertook repairs of Soviet serially produced MiG-15 fighter jets. In 1959, the plant was restructured as Aircraft Repair Plant No. 12, and expanded its capabilities to include repair of Tu-16 planes and their engines, as well as Mi-6 helicopters.

Today the plant provides maintenance and repair service for various Russian helicopter models. It specialises in maintenance and upgrade work to Mi-8/17 series helicopters, all versions of the Mi-24/35, TV3-117 engines, and Ai-9(V) auxiliary power plants and their components.

Since 2014, ARP No. 12 has been part of Russian Helicopters, with the goal of expanding after-sales service throughout the life-cycle of Russian-manufactured helicopters.