Mi-171 flight testing with new avionics

Russian Helicopters Russian Helicopters and Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET), have started testing the Mi-171A2 helicopte...

Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters and Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET), have started testing the Mi-171A2 helicopter with the new KBO-17 on-board avionics suite.

Mi-171 is the latest upgraded version of the famous Mi-17/8 transport helicopter, whose certification is scheduled for 2015.

An Mi-8/17 flying laboratory helicopter and first prototype model of the Mi-171A2 is undergoing flight tests at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.

The KBO-17 suite is an all weather flight capable avionics that allow Mi-171 to operate in adverse climatic conditions. It also features GPS/GLONASS satellite system displays, mapping, flight-plan navigation systems (VOR/ILS), meteorological information, automated obstacle warning systems (alerting crew to power lines, masts, isolated trees etc.) and can be enhanced with the KOC-17 day/night vision system.

Image Credit: Russian Helicopters

The KBO-17 boasts a 'glass cockpit' piloting and navigation system equipped with five LCD displays. The displays show the most important information at each stage of the flight, allowing the flight crew to fully evaluate the helicopter's operation and navigation.

The helicopter is also fitted with an on-board equipment maintenance system, which allows it to operate without in-flight engineers, reducing the number of crew to two, without compromising safety.