The second prototype of the multirole Mi-171A2 medium lift helicopter has been completed maiden flight from Russian Helicopter's Mil...
The second prototype of the multirole Mi-171A2 medium lift helicopter has been completed maiden flight from Russian Helicopter's Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.
The latest evolution of the internationally renowned Mi-8/Mi-17 series, features improved performance, payload, advanced cockpit, increased safety, comfort and automation.
The power plant comprises a full FADEC controlled two VK-2500PS-03 turboshaft engines and an auxiliary power plant by Safir, which enables the engine to be started at altitudes of up to 6,000 m.
Improvements included, a completely overhauled main rotor systems, composite blades, as well as upgrades to the swashplate and bushing, which have reduced the total weight of the main rotor and increased thrust by 700 kg.
An X-shaped tail rotor with composite blades has also been added to increase responsiveness and reduce noise.
These upgrades has increased the helicopter’s total take-off weight by 1,000 kg in category A, while the maximum cargo on an external sling has also increased by 25%, to 5,000 kg.
The helicopter’s cruising and maximum speeds have also increased, as has the maximum flight time.
The new glass cockpit with five multifuction displays, featuring the KBO-17 avionics suite allow all weather flight.
The avionics improvement has also reduced the need for a flight engineer, bring the crew members to two.
Flight tests of the first prototype of the Mi-171A2 was launched in November 2014.
