Russian armed forces to receive 10 Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters in 2021.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko has visited the Ulan-Ude Aircraft Plant, a subsidiary of the Russian Helicopters Group. Krivoruchko checked the production of the Kamov Ka-226T (NATO reporting name: Hoodlum) helicopter, various versions of the Mil Mi-8 (Hip), and the new Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter.

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Mil Mi-8AMTSh-VN (Picture source: Air Recognition)

The delivery of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter to the Russian armed forces is planned to begin in 2021. A helicopter prototype is currently being tested at the Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Center. “The Ulan-Ude Aircraft Plant has proved itself as a reliable supplier of the Russian Defense Ministry. The plant is fulfilling its commitments under the state defense procurement program ahead of schedule,” the Russian deputy defense minister said.

According to him, the enterprise produces military hardware, the quality of which has been checked in real combat : “As for the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter, we plan to conclude further contracts for this series. We will start to receive them in the imminent future. The delivery will begin next year,” Krivoruchko said. “In 2021, the first 10 Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters will be delivered to units, including army aviation brigades operating in the interests of the Airborne Force,” he added.

The Mi-8AMTSh-VN is designed for special operations. During the Army 2019 forum, a contract was signed with the Russian Defense Ministry for the supply of 10 Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters.

The Mi-8AMTSh-VN can accomplish a wide range of tasks during special missions, from aerial delivery to fire support. The design of the modernized Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter was worked out on the basis of combat experience.

The helicopter is equipped with higher-power engines. The basis of the new flight structure is a propeller with composite blades with a new airfoil. This makes it possible to increase maneuverability, flight speed and thrust-to-weight ratio, obtain new characteristics when operating in harsh climatic conditions. The Mi-8AMTSh-VN is equipped with a more efficient X-type tail rotor.

The Mi-8AMTSh-VN features increased combat survivability and protection, which are provided by an onboard defensive aids suite and titanium alloy armor covering the cockpit and vital units. The cargo compartment is covered by lightweight aramid armor. Two sliding doors on the sides and additional hatches allow quick disembarkation. In addition, the helicopter has better armament.

In July 2020, the Russian Helicopters Group started flight tests of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN rotorcraft to assess the aerodynamic and flight performance, maneuverability, stability and controllability, as well as the reliability and efficiency of the weapons and protection means.

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