Russia to receive first Mi-38T helicopter by year end.

The Russian Defense Ministry is to receive the first multirole Mi-38T helicopter in the fourth quarter of the year, the Russian Helicopters Holding said.

Mi-38T first prototype in Kazan Helicopters final assembly line

The Russian Defense Ministry is to receive the first multirole Mi-38T helicopter in the fourth quarter of the year, the Russian Helicopters Holding said.

"The Russian Helicopters and the Defense Ministry will begin joint trials of the first serial Mi-38T helicopter in the second quarter of the year. The transport-assault helicopter will be handed over to the Defense Ministry in the fourth quarter of 2018," it said.

The Kazan Helicopter Works is assembling the first serial Mi-38T. "The modification differs from the basic certified model. All Mi-38T units and components are Russian made. Communication means can be installed for military purposes, as well as additional fuel tanks to increase the range," the holding said.CEO Andrey Boginsky said Russian and foreign operators displayed interest in the craft.

"This year we expect the beginning of test operations of Mi-38T in the Russian Aerospace Forces. The military always have higher requirements to the hardware. Their reaction to the results of joint trials and further engagement of Mi-38T will help understand how to upgrade the rotorcraft," he said.

The medium multirole Mi-38 helicopter ranges between Mi-8 and heavy Mi-26 and can transport cargoes and passengers, engage in search-and-rescue operations and in flights over water. Mi-38T is the military option of Mi-38. It has new domestically-made energy-efficient engines TV7-117V and an integrated piloting and navigational complex.

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