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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

FAI Confirms Mi-38 is a Five-Time Record Breaker

By Andrew Drwiega, International Bureau Chief/Consultant

The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (International Aeronautical Federation, FAI) has confirmed that Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant’s new Mi-38 broke no less than five helicopter world records in 2012.

On Aug. 26, 2012, during the 14th World Helicopter Championship, Mil test pilots established three of the records in the E1h class (FAI’s category for helicopters weighing between 10,000 to 20,000 kg).

The Russian team comprised Capt. Vladimir Kutanin, and also included Salavat Sadriev (second pilot), Oleg Repitilo (navigator) and Igor Klevantsev (Air Force chief flight test engineer). Russian pilots had also set the previous record.

Mi-38 second prototype. Photo courtesy Russian Helicopters

The second prototype aircraft set an altitude record by reaching 8,620 meters (28,280 feet) without a payload. The second and third records were for climbing speed; the Mi-38 reached a height of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in six minutes, then followed this by doubling the effort to reach 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in 10 minutes and 52 seconds.

On Sept. 10, 2012, two further records were set at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. Both were altitude records: the first was set at 7,895 meters (25,902 feet) with a 1,000-kg (2,205-lb) payload, then another of 7,020 meters (23,031 feet) with a 2,000-kg (4,409-lb) payload.

Russian Helicopters describes the Mi-38 as a next generation helicopter that meets Russian AP-29, European JAR-29 and American FAR-29 standards.