During MAKS, Russia held a presentation of the promising Mi-171A3 helicopter, which is in a broad sense a deep modernization of the Mi-8/17/171.
The International Aerospace Salon continues in Zhukovsky, near Moscow. Among other novelties [...], a prototype of the promising Mi-171A3 helicopter was shown.
This is the first Russian helicopter that was developed for offshore operations and maintenance of offshore drilling platforms. It was created in accordance with the standards of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers. The machine fully meets the requirements for ensuring the safety of flights over the water surface.
Mi-171A3
Image source: Russian Helicopters
The Mi-171A3 is designed for the transportation of goods and people. It can also be used for search and rescue operations: for this purpose, an additional installation of a specialized search complex, onboard winches and medical equipment has been provided.
Mi-171A3
Image source: Russian Helicopters
Thanks to the wide use of composite materials, it was possible to ensure high flight characteristics. The car can carry 24 passengers — more than foreign counterparts. At the same time, it is claimed that the helicopter wins from them in terms of price, as well as the cost of the flight hour.
Mi-171A3
Image source: Russian Helicopters
The development of the helicopter has been known for a long time: the alleged appearance of the car was shown back in 2019. After the air show, the prototype will be sent to the ground testing program. The first flight was planned for the beginning of next year.
Mi-171A3
Image source: Russian Helicopters
The first customers of the new car are Russian fuel and energy companies that took part in joint work to determine the technical appearance.
Another "guest" of the air show is a new (with some reservations) multi-purpose Ka-62 helicopter. As it became known recently, the flight tests of the rotorcraft will be completed in September. They want to build the Ka-62 in series starting next year. In the future, a multi-purpose helicopter can be used in the interests of the Ministry of Defense: for this purpose, they intend to create a military modification.
Ka-62
Image source: TASS
Recently, Russia has been paying special attention to attack helicopters. Recently, the country has developed two new versions of the Ka-52 and Mi-28, which received the names Ka-52M and Mi-28NM, respectively.
Earlier, an informed source said that the Mi-28NM strike will be able to carry up to four new Product-305 missiles. With the missile range of 100 kilometers stated in a number of sources, the adoption of the complex will bring the capabilities of the Mi-28 closer to the capabilities of fighter-bombers.
They want to arm the Ka-52M with the same missile. The first test launches of the product from both platforms have already been carried out.
