Ulan-Ude aviation plant (U-UAZ), forming part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company, has delivered the airframe of new Mi-171A2 helicopter (item 171A-01) with some systems installed to Mil Moscow helicopter Plant for construction of the first test prototype, press-service of Russian Helicopters reports. AEX.ru
The delivery of the item has been carried out in the network of implementation of program, approved by Russian Helicopters in 2011. In accordance with the program, Mil Moscow helicopter plant and Ulan-Ude aviation plant are carrying out the modernization of Mi-171A1 helicopter. The development of new vehicle is being carried out on the basis of Mi-171A1, one of the best helicopters of Mi-8/17 family by safety, which has been certified by AR IAC and NCAA Brazil. The program assumes significant increase of helicopter’s operational characteristics and decrease of operational costs, in particular, maintenance cost and cost of flight hour.
At present the specialists of U-UAZ are manufacturing the airframe for the second test prototype, which will be delivered to Mil by the end of 2012. Ulan-Ude aviation plant will manufacture a total of two airframes for construction of test Mi-171A2s within the framework of this program. New systems and equipment will be installed on the helicopters, after that the vehicles will pass ground and flight testing and then they will be certified in accordance with airworthiness codes of AR IAC. It is also planned to certify the helicopter in foreign countries.
According to engineering estimates, the helicopter’s range will be 850 km, the weight-lift ability of the external load will be 5000 kg and the vehicle’s cruise speed will also increase. The stability of directional control will be dramatically improved, the allowed side wind speed, which allows hovering, will increase. The certified helicopter may be operated in the temperature interval from -50 tо +50°С in all climatic zones.
Great changes will be made in the vehicle’s method of operation. It is planned to significantly increase the Service Life Limit and time between overhauls and then transfer to operation in accordance with monitored technical condition. Multi-role test instrumentation and advanced ground support equipment will be used for helicopter’s maintenance. The helicopter’s operating instructions will be made in accordance with the existing world standards.
It is planned to equip Mi-171A2 with high-powered powerplant, rotorcraft flight structure based on composite rotor blades, enhanced transmission, X-type anti-torque rotor and integrated navigation instrumentation.
It is planned to complete the research and development work, testing and certification of the new helicopter with further presentation of work design documents, approved by AR IAC, for serial production by 2014. The first deliveries of Mi-171A2 are scheduled for late 2014, Russian Helicopters reported.
