Russian Helicopters (subsidiary of Oboronprom Corporation, part of Rostec State Corporation) has delivered four Mi-171E transport helicopters to Poly Technologies (China) under a contract signed in 2012 by the Chinese company and Rosoboronexport, the holding’s press-service reports.
According to the contract Russian Helicopters will deliver 52 Mi-171E transport helicopters to China. This delivery brings the number of already delivered helicopters to 32 ones. The final batch should be delivered to the Chinese party in 2014. Russian Helicopters has been working with Poly Technologies since 2009, when the companies signed a contract for delivery of 32 Mi-171E helicopters. The contract was implemented in 2011 and paved a way for further cooperation, the press-service noted.
“The new Mi-171Es manufactured by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company), are fitted with equipment improving the vehicle’s performance in high mountain regions. They are powered by uprated VK-2500 engines and fitted with Safir auxiliary power plants, upgraded transmissions, searchlights, internal fuel tanks and seats for the troops. The loading ramp and additional sliding door on the right side increase the efficiency of transport missions. Chinese crews have successfully completed training at the training center of Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. The pilots learned techniques and rules for piloting the helicopters under various flight conditions using advanced training methods and the latest Mi-171 flight simulator. The pilots highly appreciated the comfort and ease of operation of the simulator, its consistency with a real helicopter and the high level of competence of the training center’s staff”, - Russian Helicopters noted.
Mi-171 helicopters are being successfully operated in China, in particular, in regions with challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions. They are used for transporting different kinds of cargo: medicines, humanitarian aid, construction materials, etc. In addition, the helicopters are used to carry out search-and-rescue operations and for disaster relief. For example, Mi-171 helicopters were used for rescuing and extracting people following the earthquake in Sichuan province in April 2013. With mountain roads completely destroyed, the helicopter was the only mean of transporting and delivering cargoes. Chinese rescue workers and helicopter operators highly praised the reliability, durability and ruggedness of the Russian-produced helicopters, the press-service added.
“China is one of the biggest operators of Russian-made helicopters. The most popular helicopters in China are the vehicles of Mi-8/17 Family. China operates about 150 Mi-171s. ; The country also operates heavy Mi-26TS and multi-role Ka-32A11BC helicopters. China has its own MRO facilities and high-skilled personnel trained for servicing the Russian-produced helicopters. China plans to further expand its fleet of Russian-produced helicopters, and Russian Helicopters Holding is ready to offer its Chinese partners the latest models including the multirole Ka-226T and Mi-171A2”, - Russian Helicopters noted.