Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) delivered the first four Mi-171Sh military-transport helicopters, manufactured by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, to the Ministry of Defence of Peru. The Mi-171Sh vehicles were delivered to Peru a month ahead of schedule. Besides the helicopters, the customer also took delivery of aviation equipment required to operate the vehicles, the company’s press-service reports.
“The helicopters were delivered under a contract with Rosoboronexport, partner of Russian Helicopters in the area of export of defense products. This contract is the largest one in the history of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Peru and one of the most significant deals at the global market in military- transport helicopters segment. Under the contract signed in December 2013, 24 helicopters will be delivered to Peru: 8 ones in 2014 and the rest - in 2015. Moreover, it is planned to establish a MRO center responsible for servicing Russian-produced helicopters in Peru in order to maintain the high level of combat readiness of the country’s helicopter fleet and ensure its efficiency in the network of counter-drug and counter-terrorism operations,” said in the company’s statement.
The Mi-171Sh helicopters and equipment were delivered to Peru by an An-124 ‘Ruslan’ transport aircraft, and were handed over to the Army Aviation Brigade. On December 9th the vehicles participated in celebration of the Army Day in Peru. Prior to that date all four helicopters underwent final acceptance testing, and the Ministry of Defense committee signed the acceptance documents and approve the vehicles for operation.
The Mi-171Sh multi-role military-transport helicopters delivered under the contract are fitted with the latest systems improving their combat efficiency, ensuring protection of their main systems and crew, as well as avionics allowing them to perform flights under adverse weather conditions and any lighting conditions. The helicopters can carry up to 26 troopers. They are fitted with two sliding doors and electro-hydraulic ramp, allowing them to complete landing of troops in 7 or 8 seconds. In accordance with the customer’s request, the helicopters are painted in colors of Peruvian Army. The delivered helicopters were designated Mi-171Sh-P, Russian Helicopters noted.
Peruvian Armed Forces already operate Russian-produced helicopters. In July 2010, Peruvian Armed Forces purchased 8 Russian helicopters (6 military-transport Mi-171Shs and 2 attack Mi-35Ps); the deliveries were completed in October 2011. Since late 1970s a total of about 100 Soviet and Russian-produced helicopters have been delivered to Peru. The country’s army has been operating Mi-8/17 and Mi-24/35 Family helicopters for a long time.
“Russian-made helicopters are highly appreciated by the operators for their great aircraft performance, high reliability, ease of operation and maintenance, and the ability to perform flights under adverse conditions. The armed forces of different countries are satisfied with the flexibility offered by Mi-8/17 helicopters. These vehicles have proven themselves in a number of local conflicts, counter-terrorism and police operations. Mi-8/17 helicopters have demonstrated high efficiency in disaster response operations carried out after floods, earthquakes, and other natural and man-made disasters, in search-and-rescue and medevac operations,” the company added.