Russian Helicopters Commences Flight Testing of Second Mi-171A2 Prototype

[Zarvan]

Russian Helicopters Mi-171A2

Russian Helicopters has started flight testing of a second prototype of the medium multirole Mi-171A2 at Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.

The new Mi-171A2 prototype pre-flight and certification testing are also currently underway, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The Mi-171A2 represents the latest development of medium multirole Mi-8/Mi17 series.

The power plant comprises a full FADEC VK-2500PS-03 engine and an auxiliary power plant by Safir, which enables the engine to be started at altitudes of up to 6,000m. The main rotor systems of the entire Mi-8/17 series have been completely overhauled.

The use of composite blades, as well as upgrades to the swashplate and bushing, have reduced the total weight of the main rotor and increased thrust by 700kg. An X-shaped tail rotor with composite blades has also been added to increase responsiveness and reduce noise.

These upgrades have increased the helicopter’s total take-off weight by 1,000kg in category A. The maximum cargo load carry able on an external sling has also increased by 25%, to 5,000kg.

The helicopter’s cruising and maximum speeds have also increased, as has the maximum flight time. Another result of the upgrades is greater transportation efficiency compared with models currently in serial production.

The helicopter uses KBO-17 avionics suite, which enables it to fly in all weather conditions. The KBO-17 operates as a glass cockpit with five multifunction LCDs.

Increased automation on the Mi171A2 has reduced the crew size from three people to two.

Russian Helicopters Commences Flight Testing of Second Mi-171A2 Prototype