Mi-34 Hermit

The Mil Mi-34 (NATO reporting name: Hermit) is a light helicopter designed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in either a two or four seat configuration for utility and training. It was first flown in 1986 and introduced to the world at the Paris Air Show in 1987. The Mi-34 is in thee same class as the French helicopter Gazelle and Ecureuil but powered by a piston engine. The Mi-34 entered production in 1993, and is capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers, including rolls and loops. The first flight of Mi-34 was made in November 1986. Two prototypes and structure test airframe completed by mid-1987. The first series production of Mi-34 began at Arsenyev plant in 1993. In 2001, an upgraded variant was proposed with M-14 engine rated at 272kW, IFR instrumentation and auxiliary fuel tank. An agricultural variant was planned for debut in 2003. In 2009, Russian Helicopters has relaunched production of the Mil Mi-34 in an updated version powered by a Turbomeca Arrius 2F turboshaft as part of its strategic aim of breaking into the light helicopter market. The modified version of the light Mi-34C1 displayed at HELI-EXPO 2011 is in its final development stages and the first public flight is scheduled for mid-2011. Russian Helicopters experts consider it a sure bestseller for helicopter sports: it is one of the few machines in its class capable of performing higher aerobatics.