TSAMTO, March 15. On March 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters Holding Company of Rostec State Corporation.
The President evaluated the company's products and its production facilities, met with the staff and held a meeting with the heads of the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District.
The Head of State was told about the plans and prospects of one of the leading enterprises of the Far East, which accounts for 40% of the industrial production of the Republic of Buryatia. U-UAZ is one of the main employers in the region, making a significant contribution to the realization of the industrial and human resources potential of the federal district.
According to the press service of the Rostec State Corporation, the Ulan-Ude plant produces various modifications of the legendary "eights". In total, the company has produced almost 1,500 Mi-8/17 helicopters, which are operated today both in Russia and in many foreign countries. Modern modifications of these rotorcraft provide the ability to perform a wide variety of tasks – from saving lives in the conditions of the Far North to ensuring the operation of drilling platforms located in the open sea.
"Firstly, U-UAZ is an enterprise with very good traditions, you know yourself, it has existed since 1939. Everything was built here from aviation equipment – everything: helicopters and airplanes. This means that the competencies are good, and the traditions are wonderful. But it is also developing, it is modern, it makes such wonderful machines that are in demand on world markets – you know this – and in our country, both in civilian life and for the Ministry of Defense. And the line is expanding, which is great. New materials, new improved engines, new avionics – just fine!", – the President of the Ulan-Ude Aircraft Factory appreciated.
During the visit, Vladimir Putin was told about the role of the enterprise in increasing the accessibility of remote territories of Russia. The main products of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant are multifunctional Mi-8AMT helicopters. These rotorcraft provide not only passenger transportation in different regions, but also perform the role of ambulance helicopters, providing the possibility of transporting victims, patients from hard-to-reach corners of the country. The Mi-8AMTSh-VA Arctic helicopter was created especially for work in the northern regions at extremely low temperatures. These rotorcraft are already being delivered to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for operation in the Arctic aviation units of the department. The car is distinguished by improved thermal insulation of the fuselage, the ability to quickly start the helicopter engine at temperatures up to -60 degrees. The installation of additional tanks allowed to increase the flight range – the aircraft can spend up to seven hours in the air without refueling.
The President was also presented with a new product of the Russian Helicopters holding – the Mi-171A3 helicopter, developed in the interests of oil and gas companies.
"The newest aircraft is designed to deliver people and cargo to offshore drilling platforms, as well as to conduct search and rescue operations on the high seas. When creating the Mi-171A3, modern materials and advanced digital technologies are used," said Alexey Kozlov, General Director of U–UAZ. – The helicopter meets the needs of oil and gas companies and meets all safety standards of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers IOGP. The machine has unique transport capabilities among offshore helicopters – it can carry up to 24 passengers or up to 4 tons of cargo."
As noted in Rostec, another rotorcraft, the production of which is planned to begin at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, is the upgraded Ka-226T helicopter. The helicopter is capable of flying at altitudes up to 6500 m above sea level, while it has the highest weight return in the class – the payload of the helicopter reaches 1500 kg with a maximum flight weight of up to 3800 kg.
This lightweight multi–purpose twin-engine rotorcraft is distinguished by maneuverability and versatility - the transformer helicopter is built according to a modular scheme. A special feature of the helicopter is the so–called "flying chassis" concept – suspended modules of various equipment can be placed behind the cockpit. This solution makes it possible for the operator to have one carrier helicopter and several options for replaceable modules. At the same time, four people can replace the module within 30 minutes.
In the updated helicopter, the column of the rotors has been upgraded, the folding mechanism of the blades has been introduced, which is very much in demand, for example, in the ship version of the rotorcraft. The compact helicopter can fly over a vast water surface and be freely based on the ship.
After getting acquainted with the products of the Russian Helicopters holding, Vladimir Putin talked with the staff of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, learned about the specifics of their work and answered key questions related to the prospects for the development of the aviation industry. Special attention was paid to discussing the workload of helicopter-building enterprises and ensuring comfortable working conditions.
