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.
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“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 (over 12,000 Mi-8/17 helicopters have been produced) 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.
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