Helicopter - Mi-171 - Old wrapping, same shit? - Nope, not this time - R&W

Russian Issues TC Mi-171A2, Clearing Commercial Deliveries

By James T. McKenna | August 18, 2017

Utility

 
 
 
 
 

Russian Mi-171A2. Photo courtesy of Russian Helicopters

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency yesterday issued a type certificate for Russian Helicopters’ Mi-171A2, clearing the way for that manufacturer to begin serial production and delivery of the IFR-capable, medium, utility helicopter to commercial customers, according to the OEM.

Developed at the Moscow Mil Helicopter Plant, the aircraft is to be produced at Russian Helicopters’ Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant in the Eastern Russian city of that name, near the border of Mongolia.

The manufacturers said the type certificate approves the Mi-171A2’s use for Category A passenger and cargo day and night in standard and adverse weather conditions, overwater and under both visual and instrument flight rules, as well as for use on international routes. Category A stipulates stringent requirements, including for safe takeoffs with one engine in operative at maximum takeoff weight of 28,660 pounds (29,760 pounds with an external load).

"Obtaining a type certificate is one of the most important events of the project and means the opportunity to deliver this helicopter to commercial operators,” Russian Helicopters Director General Andrey Boginsky said. “The Mi-171A2 offers ample opportunities to renew helicopter fleet of Russian and foreign operators, who have experience in operating Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopters."

The Mi-171A2 is a modernized version of the Mi-8/Mi-17 whose design aims adhere to modern civil airworthiness standards, reduce operating costs and improve performance. Its many upgrades include a new-design main rotor system with all-composite blades and a more efficient X-shape tail rotor, the OEM said. They also include new Klimov 2,400-shaft-horsepower VK-2500PS-03 engines with full-authority digital engine controllers, a reinforced transmission, a digital navigation system and the introduction of a health and usage monitoring system.

According to the manufacturer, the helicopters are designed for the maximum speed of 151 knots and a maximum cruise speed of 140 knots. Its design payloads are about 8,820 pounds internal and about 11,020 pounds external.