©Russian Нelicopters Russian Helicopters and United Engine Corporation (UEC), subsidiaries of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rost...
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The third prototype of the Mi-38 made its first flight on 29 November 2013.
The Mi-38 with new Russian-built TV7-117V engines first took to the skies on 13 November when it completed testing in hover mode.
The positive test results open the way for a swift transition to the start of in-house certification tests to Russian AP-29 standards.
The new turboshaft TV7-117Vs generate thrust of 2,500-3,000 hp and are based on the TV7-117 turboprop engine, with which they are more than 90% compatible.
The TV7-117V improves safety by making emergency power of 2,800-3,750 hp available when necessary. The engine features a new FADEC system using the BARK-12 or BARK-57 electronic engine control unit.
The use of the TV7-117Vs on the pre-production Mi-38 is the result of successful work by the experimental design group, most notably in developing a connecting unit between the main rotor gearbox and the engine, optimising the cooling systems for the engine and main gearbox, and improving the automatic engine management system.
The multirole Mi-38 can be used for cargo, passenger and VIP transport, and can also serve as a flying hospital and for offshore operations.
Thanks to its spacious cabin, low levels of noise and vibration, and numerous innovative features, the Mi-38 offers the highest levels of comfort of any machine in its class. Other competitive advantages include high cruising speed of 295 km/h and range of 1,200 km.
In addition, the Mi-38 surpasses other helicopters in its class in terms of cargo-lift, passenger capacity and other flight capabilities.
The second prototype Mi-38 fitted with Pratt & Whitney Canada Engines completed its first flight on 24 December 2010, and has produced outstanding results during extensive testing in 2012-2013. At the 14th FAI World Helicopter Championship (held on 22-26 August 2012 near Moscow) the helicopter set a new altitude record in the E-1h category (the FAI category for helicopters between 10,000 kg and 20,000 kg), climbing to more than 8,600 m.
Certification of the Mi-38 is expected to complete in 2015. Serial production is planned for 2015 at Kazan Helicopter Plant, a Russian Helicopters company, where the fourth prototype of the helicopter – the final one before the launch of serial production – is currently being assembled. The fourth prototype will be fitted with a shock-resistant fuel system by Aerazur and enlarged window openings. Serially produced Mi-38s are planned to be fitted with Klimov TV7-117V engines.
