Dallas, TX, USA/12 February 2012 – Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian industry giant Oboronprom, presented its Mi-171A2 model at HeliExpo 2012 in Dallas, TX. The helicopter was displayed at booth number 3422. This is a heavily modernised and revamped version of the Mi-8/17, the Russian bestseller that ranks among the most popular helicopters in the world.
“Russian Helicopters have become a permanent exhibitor at HeliExpo, one of the best platforms in the world for demonstrating new models and sharing industry achievements,” Russian Helicopters CEO Dmitry Petrov said. “We have decided to showcase the new Mi-171A2 in the USA in addition to the Ka-32A11BC that is already known in North America. I am confident that the Mi-171A2 will help Russia retain its leadership in the medium helicopter class, offering current and future customers all over the world unsurpassed performance, reliability, and safety that are the traditional advantages of rotorcraft of Russian make.”
The Mi-171A2 will benefit from new engines with more output that will improve its flight range and load-carrying capacity. A new rotor system based on composite blades, an enhanced transmission, and an X-shaped tail rotor will be the main differences of the modernised machine that is set to become one of the key products of Russian Helicopters in the medium class.
An integrated avionics suite and a glass cockpit will ensure a more informative environment for pilots. Flight data presented in a clear and concise fashion on large displays will improve flight safety and reduce pilot fatigue.
Mi-171A2 customers will benefit from over 100 advancements that improve the performance of the helicopter, make operations more effective, and reduce the cost per flight hour, to the benefit of any helicopter business.
Commercial and state operators of Mi-8/17 worldwide were invited to jointly work out requirements to a new model. Eventually the helicopter should replace the wide variety of Mi-8/17 models, becoming a single modern choice for global operations. Serial certified Mi-171A2 are slotted for first deliveries in 2014. The Mi-171A2 will be certified under AR IAC norms and similar norms in other regions and countries worldwide.
The Mi-171A2 is under development by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. The new model is based on the Mi-171A1 – one of the most advanced modifications in terms of safety in the Mi-8/17 family – produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant and certified by AR IAC and the Brazilian aviation authorities.
Mi-171A2 is a prospective helicopter based on the Mi-171A1 produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP). The helicopter will benefit from new engines and transmission, a new rotor system, a modernised integrated avionics suite, better technical and operational characteristics, a new operations and maintenance system. The helicopter is intended for certification under AP-29 norms. Russian Helicopters are managing the project to develop and produce the Mi-171A2. Design and engineering is the responsibility of Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. According to preliminary schedule mass production of the new model at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant is scheduled for 2014.
Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. Over 8000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in 110 countries worldwide. Traditionally the demand is highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2010 its IFRS revenues reached $2.2 billion, and deliveries reached 214 units. At the end of 2011 the Russian Helicopters business was estimated at $3.9 billion.
Partners of Russian Helicopters: AirTaxi Service (interior completions and maintenance); R.E.T. Kronshtadt (aviation training systems, navigation and avionics); Tranzas (software, navigation systems, aviation simulators); CSTS Dinamika (technical training means for aviation flight and engineering personnel); BETA AIR (testing equipment and aviation electronics); Ural Works of Civil Aviation (repair of helicopter engines and components, as well as gearboxes).
