Siberian helicopter maker has eyes on India A Siberia-based aircraft maker is eager to win a contract with India that would be a major coup for Russia's defence industry. Launched in 1939, the Ulan-Ude factory belonging to Russian Helicopters holding churned out the many thousands of Mi-8 helicopters popular in many different countries -- but also washing machines. Today the facility is focusing on a more recent model, the Ka-266T, which is presented as a civilian craft that is light and versatile, and should soon join the Indian military's fleet. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES