Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of Russian Helicopters has delivered the first Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter modified to operate in very low temperatu...
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of Russian Helicopters has delivered the first Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter modified to operate in very low temperature conditions, to Russian Defence Ministry’s Arctic groupings.
The first Arctic helicopter was developed specially for operation in the Russia's northern region that have temperatures lower than -40°Ð¡. With auxiliary fuel tanks, the helicopter has a range of over 1,300 km.
The helicopter will play a crucial role in development of transport infrastructure in Russia’s northern regions, and also to companies in the oil and gas sector to support offshore work.
Crew and cargo cabin heating systems, improved insulation and insulating shades, built-in systems to heat the powerplant and gears, Teflon hose incorporated into the hydraulics, and oil and fuel systems ensure that this helicopter can operate in very low temperatures.
The Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter is equipped with powerful Klimov-made VK-2500-03 engines and enhanced gears. It boasts a TA-14 auxiliary power unit delivering improved thrust and power output meeting the needs of the helicopter’s energy-intensive on-board systems.
The digital autopilot will help ease piloting and improve navigation accuracy on the Mi-8AMTSh-VA in areas of reduced visibility and Arctic polar night. The helicopter is also equipped with a range of navigation systems – duplicate satellite systems, digital avionics enhanced with built-in map generation and strapdown inertial reference systems enabling it to identify its current coordinates in the event that satellite signal is lost.
The helicopter’s weather radar identifies dangerous weather conditions in both horizontal and vertical profiles, scans the ground area, and identifies objects and shore-lines.
The Mi-8AMTSh-VA is also kitted out with airspace observation systems to warn of other aircraft in low visibility conditions and search directional radio that operates on all emergency frequencies, and which can be used in search and rescue operations.
A specialised communications suite ensures reliable, un-interrupted radio links over a wide range of frequencies. Additional features include night vision system to operate in polar nights, heating facility for food to improve crew comfort.
The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant in its 75 years of existence, has produced over 8,000 aircraft. Today it specialises in producing Mi-8AMT (Mi-171), and the Mi-8AMTSh (Mi-171Sh) helicopters.
