On June 13, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Belarusian and Russian machine builders have produced a prototype of an aerial platform with a basket lifting height of up to 16 m, as reported to BELTA correspondent by Pavel Kotikov, Deputy Director of the private production and trading unitary enterprise "Vitstroytekhmash". The aerial platform model "Vipo-16-01" was designed by the Vitebsk Lifting and Transport Equipment Plant of the "Vitstroytekhmash" enterprise specifically for installation on the chassis of the new Russian "Silant" vehicle, which has enhanced off-road capability in marshy areas and rough terrain. The prototype of this machine was the GAZ-66 medium-duty truck. The support contour of the new aerial platform is 2.5 by 2.5 m, which allows it to be used in confined urban environments. The prototype aerial platform has successfully passed tests and received a certificate of conformity in the Russian Federation. The platform was presented to the general public at the 13th International Exhibition of Special Construction Equipment and Technologies CTT-2012 in Moscow at the end of May. According to Pavel Kotikov, the aerial platform immediately found its buyer and was sent to Yaroslavl. One of Moscow's utility companies, which maintains bridges, overpasses, and viaducts, has also shown interest in the joint product. Pavel Kotikov believes that the increased interest in the joint development of Russian and Belarusian machine builders is due to the fact that similar equipment has not been produced in either Russia or Belarus. Currently, "Vitstroytekhmash" is starting serial production of aerial platforms on the "Silant" base chassis with a height of 16 m. In addition, Vitebsk designers have begun developing platforms with a height of 24 m based on the "Silant" chassis, which are in demand by energy companies in both Belarus and the Russian Federation. The production of aerial platforms is included in the enterprise's business development plan for the period 2010-2013. The total cost of the project is estimated at over Br4.5 billion. The project envisages the creation of at least 100 jobs.